Malagasy Romy Andrianarisoa, 46, and Frenchman Philippe Tabuteau, 54, are suspected of having sought to obtain a bribe to obtain mining licenses in Madagascar from Gemfields, the British mining company which was the first to raise her concerns with the NCA. The sums they demanded amounted to CHF 250,000 (around £225,000) in initial costs, as well as a 5% stake in the company’s capital.
Following a rapid investigation into suspected active corruption, Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau were arrested in the Victoria area of London on Thursday afternoon (August 10), during a meeting where they are suspected of attempting to solicit a bribe. The operation was carried out in close collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who were able to provide the necessary advice, allowing the two individuals to be charged on Friday evening.
They appeared in court on Saturday (August 12) and were remanded in custody until their next hearing at Southwark Crown Court on September 8.
Andy Kelly, head of the international anti-corruption unit at the NCA, said: “
This operation demonstrates the ICU’s ability to capitalize on industry cooperation. I am grateful to Gemfields for bringing this matter to our attention and for their continued cooperation with the investigation. Their quick reactions to engage the CNE were essential to our ability to pursue this matter.
Joanne Jakymec, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the NCA to charge Romy Andrianarisoa and Philippe Tabuteau with soliciting a bribe.
“The CPS made the decision to authorize the charges after reviewing a file of evidence from the NCA relating to allegations of corruption.
“Criminal proceedings against Ms. Andrianarisoa and Mr. Tabuteau have been initiated and they are entitled to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there is no reporting, commenting or sharing of information online that could in any way undermine these proceedings.
“The function of the CPS is not to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent and objective assessments of whether it is appropriate to present charges to a criminal court . »
NCA
Monday, August 14, 2023
