Mauritius in Spotlight as Iran Boeing 777 Deal Sparks Diplomatic Tensions

A recent aircraft transaction involving Boeing planes sold to Iran is causing diplomatic tensions that may extend to Mauritius. Iran reportedly used a network of shell companies to register five Boeing 777 aircraft, which arrived in Iran between May and July.

These planes, aged between 20 and 25 years, were temporarily registered in Madagascar before being flown to Iran, circumventing international sanctions that prohibit Boeing sales to Tehran.

The five planes, with provisional registrations 5R*-RIS, 5R-ISA, 5R-HER, 5R-IJA, and 5R-RIJ, have serial numbers 32334, 30866, 28522, 28527, and 33369 respectively.

According to FlightRadar24, the aircraft with registration 5R-HER made stops in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Siem Reap, Cambodia, during its travels.

Use of Shell Companies

Iran allegedly employed a complex network of shell companies across multiple continents to hide ownership.

The latest involved is UDAAN Aviation, registered in Madagascar as Udaan Potentials Ltd, which claims its activity includes “national and international aviation.”

The company is linked to Indian businessman Khushwinder Singh, who has lived in Madagascar for about 15 years.

Mauritian Connection

A company named Udaan Potentials Ltd was registered in Mauritius in November 2019, with activities listed as “import and export.”

It was dissolved on January 16, 2024, just before the Malagasy Civil Aviation Authority (ACM) issued provisional aircraft registration and certification certificates on January 17.

Khushwinder Singh owns 90% of this Mauritian company. Another key figure is Rahul Chawla, an Indian based in Mauritius, who is a director and shareholder.

The same individual also manages Elite Mada, a Mauritian company owned by Singh, which in March expressed interest in buying 49% of SBM Madagascar, a subsidiary of the Bank of Madagascar.

Official Explanations

The ACM, in a statement dated July 23, explained that UDAAN Aviation requested authorization to import the five Boeing 777 aircraft into Madagascar for “future exploitation.” The aircraft were reportedly located in China, specifically Lanzhou, during this period.

The director of the ACM, according to Africa Intelligence, wrote in a letter dated July 28 to Transport Minister Valéry Ramonjavelo that the certificates of provisional registration were granted following the minister’s instructions.

The ministry claims that Cambodian authorities authorized the aircraft’s departure from Cambodia after approving a flight plan, implying an agreement allowing the planes to fly to Iran despite international embargoes.

Reactions and Political Fallout

Transport Minister Ramonjavelo accused Cambodia of complicity, stating, “We learned through the newspapers that the planes left Cambodia for Iran.

This means a flight plan was approved by Cambodian authorities, and an agreement was made to allow these aircraft to go to a country under embargo.”

He added, “The Malagasy state feels completely duped… my ministry feels betrayed.”

In response, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina issued a presidential decree on Tuesday to remove Ramonjavelo from his post.

Potential International Impact

This incident could harm Madagascar’s diplomatic relations and affect ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding the renewal of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and related tariffs.

Mauritius might also become involved if a connection is established between the Mauritian and Malagasy companies linked to Singh.

Broader Implications

Khushwinder Singh also owns Elite Mada, which in March expressed interest in acquiring a 49% stake in SBM Madagascar, raising questions about the extent of his business activities across countries and whether there are larger illicit networks involved.

Source: l’Express