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Billionaire Malagasy Tycoon Under Scrutiny by FCC After Jet Arrival
Mauritius’s Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) and the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) are investigating the activities of Malagasy billionaire Maminiaina Ravatomanga, known as “Mamy,” following his arrival in the country by private jet on Sunday.
The powerful businessman, considered one of Madagascar’s richest men and close to the Malagasy President, is facing dual probes.
Officials at the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that “The MRA is doing its job, just like the FCC,” noting that the two institutions are operating “independently but coordinated.”
Ravatomanga, whose fortune deposited in Mauritian banks is estimated to be “several billion rupees,” is understood to hold a residency permit and lives in the affluent Belle Vue Harel area in the North.
The businessman, who was initially scheduled to leave on Wednesday, October 15, is currently in discussions with the FCC via his lawyers.
While no departure ban has been issued, a “Report on Departure” was filed against him on Monday, 13 October.
This mandates the Passport and Immigration Office to inform the FCC should Ravatomanga attempt to leave and to authorise or deny his exit based on the Commission’s directives.
The evidence gathered by the FCC and MRA will determine if he can leave Mauritian territory “tomorrow or later.”
Authorities stress that any measure to prevent his departure must be “based on solid foundations,” as required by Mauritian law.
Separately, Cabinet Secretary Suresh Seeballuck has launched an inquiry into the private Cessna jet used for the arrival of the Malagasy group.
Acting Prime Minister Paul Bérenger is set to make an official statement at a press conference at 11 am on Wednesday, October 15, in the “lunch room” of the National Assembly.
Bérenger had previously expressed “irritation” in the press regarding the initial handling of the matter and had requested the Cabinet Secretary prepare a report on the issue.
Source: Defi Media
