[Ravatomanga Case] The Wealthy Malagasy Businessman Leaves the Clinic, Ends Up in a Cell, Then at Victoria Hospital

The investigation into Malagasy businessman Maminiaina "Mamy" Ravatomanga has reached a critical stage this week. After several delays due to medical issues, the mogul was finally questioned for the first time by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC). Suspected of money laundering and conspiracy, he was escorted under medical supervision to Réduit Triangle, where two interrogation sessions took place before his court appearance and subsequent detention.

Interrogation Under Medical Supervision

Hospitalized since mid-October at Premium Care clinic, Ravatomanga had previously evaded hearings by citing serious cardiac complications. On November 5, he left the clinic in a medical ambulance, escorted by police and accompanied by his lawyers, Siddhartha and Nirakar Hawoldar, along with Khushal Lobine.

The setup was strict: interrogations were limited to four hours, with the attending physician present at all times, and tight supervision from the Special Supporting Unit (SSU). Caution was palpable on-site, with medical staff ready to intervene at any moment.

According to the defense, the head of the Sodiat group was cooperative while denying any involvement in the suspicious transactions mentioned by the FCC. Investigators, however, remain focused on unprecedented financial movements between Mauritius and Madagascar.

Colossal Amounts at the Heart of the Investigation

The investigation concerns transfers estimated at Rs 7.3 billion, allegedly sent from Madagascar to Mauritian companies linked to Ravatomanga. Additionally, around Rs 858 million is on his personal accounts. The FCC suspects that the origins of these funds are linked to public contracts and mining deals obtained through influence peddling.

Mamy Ravatomanga, 56, categorically denies these allegations. His lawyers assert he is acting "transparently" and that an affidavit detailing the legitimate sources of the funds has already been submitted to the FCC. His phone, now sealed, has been cloned for analysis. Investigators hope to find exchanges related to a meeting in Quatre-Bornes on October 14, which also included the former FCC commissioner, Junaid Fakim, and Nasser Bheeky, both now charged.

A Tense Judicial Decision

After two days of hearings, Mamy Ravatomanga appeared before Magistrate Prashant Bissoon at the Port-Louis district court. His lawyer, Siddhartha Hawoldar, argued for his release and the dismissal of charges, denouncing an "illegal" arrest and lack of reasonable suspicion. The defense also invoked Article 5(1) of the Constitution, arguing procedural abuse and disputed jurisdiction of the FCC.

However, the magistrate decided on police detention until November 13, deeming a return to the private clinic no longer justified. After the hearing, Ravatomanga was briefly admitted to the intensive care unit at Jeetoo Hospital before being transferred to Vacoas Detention Centre on Friday morning.

A Tug-of-War Over the Mogul's Health

The saga took a new turn on Friday. Just hours after arriving at Vacoas, Mamy Ravatomanga suffered a health crisis and was transferred to the Cardiac Unit at Victoria Hospital in Candos. His lawyers and attending physician, present with him, insisted on his readmission to Premium Care clinic, citing a critical condition. However, the FCC strongly opposes this, insisting that all medical follow-up must now occur in the public sector. This medical-judicial standoff, amid an explosive investigation, illustrates the rising tensions between the commission and the defense.

The next hearing, set for November 27, will focus on the motion to dismiss the charges. Meanwhile, the FCC continues to exploit documents seized from offices and companies linked to the Sodiat group. Amid prolonged detentions, hospitalizations, and successive postponements, the Ravatomanga case continues to unfold, gradually revealing the complexity of a network where business, political, and judicial spheres dangerously intertwine.

The Other Protagonists

Bheeky, Fakim, and Thomas: Between Malaise, Surgery, and Compelling Evidence

While Ravatomanga faces the FCC on medical and judicial fronts, parallel aspects of the investigation continue to expand.

Nasser Osman Bheeky, 65, has left the clinic and is now in detention. He is accused of influence peddling for facilitating the October 14 meeting between Ravatomanga, Fakim, and other figures. An attempt to hand him a mobile phone while hospitalized was thwarted by the police. The device, a Samsung Galaxy S9, is sealed and undergoing technical examination. His lawyers, Ashley Hurunghee and Samad Golamaully, state that their client intends to testify under oath on November 10, promising "revelations".

Me Junaid Haroon Fakim, former FCC commissioner, remains hospitalized at Wellkin clinic. His post-operative health condition led the court to postpone the examination of his bail application. He faces two provisional charges: public official using office for gratification and breach of confidentiality. These charges stem from a meeting he had with Ravatomanga and Bheeky while still in office. The court has ordered that his attending physicians be heard, while an independent assessment by the public service is scheduled before the debates resume on November 11.

David Jean Christian Thomas, a close associate of Ravatomanga, appeared before the Mapou court this week regarding his own bail request. Examination of his phone is reportedly revealed, according to the FCC, incriminating elements directly linking the protagonists to an alleged money laundering network. The case will be recalled on November 10. Amid hospitalizations, detentions, and conflicts of interest, the Ravatomanga affair resembles a vast judicial chessboard where every move is scrutinized. The FCC, in an offensive position, aims to maintain pressure until all pieces of the puzzle are in place.