Mamy Ravatomanga Case: The Mystery of the Phone Data Deletion
Mamy Ravatomanga Case: The Mystery of the Phone Data Deletion
Source: Defi Plus
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025 - 14:00
The investigation conducted by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) into the Mamy Ravatomanga case has entered a distinctly technical phase, focused on the mysterious deletion of data from seized mobile phones. This situation involves two of the main suspects, raising serious questions about the deliberate concealment of evidence.
The most recent case involves former FCC Commissioner Junaid Fakim. His mobile phone, seized during his arrest on Thursday, October 30, was found completely empty. Communications, messages, call history, and personal contacts: all data appears to have been erased, a phenomenon described by investigators as a complete "wiping out."
However, this scenario is not isolated. The FCC had already encountered a nearly identical situation with another key figure in the case, Nasser Bheeky. Arrested at the airport on Friday, October 24, he claimed that a mishap on his part had caused his device to reset. The coincidence of two complete deletions on phones belonging to key suspects in such a large-scale money laundering case puts pressure on the investigative team.
On Thursday, November 13, Junaid Fakim was taken to Réduit Triangle to have his phone examined by the FCC’s forensic experts. The device, sealed since its seizure, confirmed the FCC's fears: no data could be recovered. This total absence of communication traces is a significant obstacle for the progress of the investigation.
Mr. Fakim was arrested for conspiracy in the Ravatomanga case. The FCC specifically accuses him of having participated in a meeting with the Malagasy businessman and potentially leaking sensitive information regarding the massive money laundering investigation. In front of the investigators, the former high-ranking official categorically denied these allegations.
At the end of the day, Junaid Fakim appeared before the Rose-Hill court, where he was granted conditional release after approximately two weeks in detention. Appearing in a wheelchair due to his health condition, he was immediately returned to the clinic where he must continue his medical treatments. Meanwhile, other figures in the case, such as Jean Christian David Thomas, Nasser Bheeky, and Mamy Ravatomanga himself, remain in custody.
The Defense Challenges the Lack of Evidence
The defense for Junaid Fakim, represented by Senior Counsel Urmila Boolell, has strongly criticized the prolonged detention of her client, arguing that there is no justification for it. According to the lawyer, Junaid Fakim's account of events has remained consistent from day one, and no concrete evidence has supported the accusations against him.
Ms. Boolell emphasized a crucial point: Junaid Fakim never sought to conceal his meeting with Mamy Ravatomanga. However, she finds it incomprehensible that this single factual element could be interpreted as sufficient evidence of conspiracy. The lawyer raised fundamental questions regarding the lack of a clear motive for her client: "Did he receive money? What was the incentive? What information did he disclose?"
Moreover, the Senior Counsel denounced a potential disparity in treatment among the suspects in this case, implying that some less favorable aspects for the prosecution might be overlooked. She reiterated that her client had fully cooperated with the Commission, providing everything he had to say, unlike other areas of ambiguity that seem to "sweep under the rug." The investigation is now ongoing, focused on determining who or what is responsible for the deletion of this crucial data.