Priority for the FCC Investigation Before Possible Extradition
Mauritian authorities are prioritizing investigations by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) before making any decisions regarding the extradition request from Madagascar, which potentially involves money laundering and violations of international sanctions.
The extradition request for Mamy Ravatomanga, a 56-year-old businessman considered one of the wealthiest in Madagascar, is under review by Mauritian authorities. He is accused by Antananarivo of orchestrating the illegal transfer of five Boeing 777 aircraft to Iran, violating U.S. sanctions. However, in Mauritius, where he sought refuge on October 12, just before the military coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, the focus remains on the FCC's ongoing money laundering investigation. Any extradition will only occur after local authorities believe they have fulfilled their investigative needs.
What about the red notice requested from Interpol by Madagascar on October 20? The Attorney General's Office emphasizes procedural caution. "A request for a red notice has indeed been made by the Malagasy authorities to Interpol, but no such notice has been issued to date. So, nothing changes for now," they explained.
Extradition Treaty
Regarding the extradition request that has been formally received, it is currently being processed. "We are following the procedures. The fact is that there is also an investigation being conducted by the FCC in Mauritius, and Mamy Ravatomanga will eventually need to present himself to the FCC. We will need to balance national law obligations with our international commitments under existing extradition conventions."
The absence of a bilateral extradition treaty between Mauritius and Madagascar is a fact, but it does not exclude cooperation. "It is important to note that there is no extradition treaty between Mauritius and Madagascar, but we can still favorably consider extradition requests even in the absence of a treaty. This is what we are currently assessing," the official added. The fundamental principle is that national law takes precedence. "If he has committed serious offenses in Mauritius, that will take priority. For now, let's allow the FCC to do its job."
The Malagasy case is based on a letter sent to Interpol by the Justice Ministry of Antananarivo, dated October 20 and reviewed by AFP. It identifies Mamy Ravatomanga, a close associate of the ousted president, as "a wanted person in this case… but currently on the run." The incriminating operation involves the transfer of five Boeing 777s to the Iranian airline Mahan Air, which is sanctioned by the United States.
Falsified Certificates
According to the letter, this transfer was facilitated by falsified registration certificates issued by Madagascar's Civil Aviation Authority (ACM). Other suspects arrested in Madagascar, who were interrogated by the FBI, identified Mamy Ravatomanga as the "mastermind of the operation."
In Mauritius, suspicions arise from questionable financial flows. On October 16, a warrant was issued for his arrest for money laundering, and his assets were frozen. A statement from the FCC, released the previous Friday, details the facts: "The FCC received credible information indicating that Mamy Ravatomanga transferred a large sum of money to Mauritius, intending to move those same funds to another jurisdiction and leave Mauritian territory. Consequently, the FCC requested, under Section 69 of the FCC Act, and obtained, on October 15, 2025, a Criminal Attachment Order on the bank accounts of Mr. Ravatomanga, his wife, and the companies linked to him in Mauritius, following an order from the Supreme Court. This order prohibits any disposition of the funds held."
This measure illustrates the FCC's commitment to "prevent the dissipation of presumed proceeds of crime and make Mauritius a hostile environment for illicit financial activities." Currently "hiding" on the island, Mamy Ravatomanga has been receiving treatment at a clinic for a week.
