Ravatomanga Case - David Thomas: "I earn 5,000 euros a month"
In custody since October 24, David Jean-Christian Thomas, a close associate of businessman Mamy Ravatomanga, denies all money laundering accusations against him by the Financial Crimes Commission. The Réduit agency is investigating transactions valued at Rs 20 billion.
David Jean-Christian Thomas, described as Mamy Ravatomanga's right-hand man in Mauritius, claims to have no connection to the money laundering and embezzlement case currently under review by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC). Detained on Friday, October 24, he stated that he receives a monthly salary of 5,000 euros (approximately Rs 267,000) from the Sodiat group, owned by Mamy Ravatomanga, for his supervisory role.
According to the FCC, the Mauritian is alleged to have facilitated and received significant financial transactions via online banking platforms, amounting to an estimated Rs 20 billion. The lead investigator has requested additional time to confront the accused with new evidence. Me Arassen Kallee, the defendant's lawyer, did not object to the request, noting that a 'report on progress' is expected for Monday, November 10.
Throughout the investigation, the FCC reports having traced message exchanges between David Jean-Christian Thomas and Nasser Bheeky. These communications reportedly concern a meeting on October 14, held at the home of former FCC commissioner, Me Junaid Fakim.
Investigators suspect that information related to the investigation targeting Mamy Ravatomanga may have been conveyed to him during this meeting. Arrested as well, Me Fakim has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that he left the premises as soon as he learned that Mamy Ravatomanga was indeed under investigation.
The FCC plans to confront David Jean-Christian Thomas with this evidence in the next stage of the inquiry. Preliminary findings indicate that Nasser Bheeky was the originator of the meeting. Technical analyses conducted on the mobile phones of both men also reveal location sharing around the time in question.
Suspicious Transactions and Projects in Dubai
When questioned about WhatsApp messages related to significant financial transactions, David Jean-Christian Thomas explained to investigators that he had been contacted by a friend based in Great Britain. This friend allegedly proposed involving him in recruiting investors for projects in Dubai, hoping to obtain contracts in the construction sector.
David Jean-Christian Thomas claims he quickly realized it was a scam. He states that the promoters of the project requested an initial payment of 25,000 US dollars before any investment could take place. He insists he did not pay or receive any money in this context.
The FCC estimates that the Mauritian facilitated the laundering of Rs 20 billion on behalf of Mamy Ravatomanga. The transactions purportedly passed through an online banking application, accessible via mobile and computer, and directed to accounts linked to offshore companies registered in Mauritius, including Management Companies.
The investigation also revealed several message exchanges between Thomas and Ravatomanga. These communications reportedly discussed the management of the Sodiat group's businesses in Madagascar, particularly instructions related to the purchase and delivery of furniture in the large island.
David Jean-Christian Thomas claims he was overseeing the reception and installation of this equipment at a time when Mamy Ravatomanga had just acquired a new hotel. He states he was responsible for monitoring renovation work, as well as the maintenance of three other hotel establishments owned by the group.
In addition to the hotel sector, Mamy Ravatomanga also owns private clinics and hospitals in Madagascar. According to the supervisor, his missions were limited to logistical and administrative coordination of these projects, with no links to suspicious financial transfers.
David Jean-Christian Thomas remains in custody while the FCC completes its analyses and confronts the various parties involved.