Mauritian authorities have taken into custody Maminiaina Ravatomanga, a close aide to former Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina, on suspicion of laundering approximately $163 million using assets in Mauritius.
The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) believes Ravatomanga was involved in managing several entities in Mauritius and possessed property suspected to be proceeds of criminal activity.
Ravatomanga was arrested at a private clinic in Port Louis, where he had gone for medical treatment.
His lawyer confirmed the arrest but declined to comment on the allegations.
This development comes amid a tumultuous period in Madagascar’s politics, with Colonel Michael Randrianirina seizing power and Rajoelina condemning the takeover.
