Between Massages and Haircuts: Mamy Ravatomanga Well 'Spoiled' by His Fellow Inmates in Melrose

Mamy Ravatomanga is spending the year-end holidays behind bars for the first time. Since December 2, the Malagasy billionaire has been detained at the Eastern High Security Prison (EHSP) in Melrose. Arrested on October 24 by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), he is suspected of embezzling massive funds from Madagascar to Mauritius, with the FCC tracing a total of Rs 7.3 billion through a Judge’s Order and awaiting further information from certain Malagasy authorities. This wealthy magnate will celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve in prison, marking a first for him.

His arrival at Melrose Prison caused quite a stir. "A multi-billionaire has come to our prison," was whispered in the hallways of the Marygold Unit, where he has been placed since his incarceration. It is here, among foreign nationals, that the Malagasy magnate now spends his days, far from the orange uniforms of other inmates. Dressed in a fluorescent yellow T-shirt, shorts, and local flip-flops, he shares his daily life with two foreign inmates who quickly became his companions.

Many have attempted to get close to him. Learning that he had an account with Rs 7.3 billion, some inmates did not hesitate to try to forge connections with him. "Many inmates have poor families; when they learn Mamy is a billionaire, they look to him for help to support their families later," sources close to the prison revealed. Perhaps they hope for a generous gesture once he is released.

However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Some Malagasy inmates have openly expressed their disdain for their compatriot. Through word of mouth, guards quickly understood that Mamy Ravatomanga would not be well-liked by those currently serving sentences, primarily for drug trafficking offenses. For security reasons, the prison aims to avoid any contact. "Only with other inmates in the same place as him, but in different cells," confided a source.

Upon his arrival at the EHSP of Melrose, the businessman, who had just come out of the hospital, was feeling low. But over the days, something has changed, our source indicated. His psychological state improved, as did his general health. Since his detention, Mamy Ravatomanga is reportedly in much better physical condition than before. He has not visited the Medical Unit and has made no requests for medical examinations.

"Here he seems fit," prison guards from the Marygold Unit report. He eats the same meals as the other inmates: rice, chicken liver, eggs, fried fish, and vegetables. He has never complained about his conditions. Occasionally, he receives food during visits from his lawyers, Me Kushal Lobine and Me Joy Beeharry, who come to see him regularly. His wife and relatives also visit during permitted hours.

Additionally, behind bars, Mamy Ravatomanga enjoys what some call "lifestyle amenities." Between massages and haircuts, the billionaire receives special treatment from certain inmates. Specific inmates are allowed to use clippers to offer haircuts to fellow inmates, and Mamy took advantage of this from the start of his incarceration.

"He had long hair since his arrest. When he came to prison, it was cut," sources close to the prison reported. The haircut was done by an inmate using electric clippers. "These inmates are geniuses and very talented," Mamy Ravatomanga supposedly remarked after this first session. He has also had his feet massaged several times by some inmates.

These little gestures are far from trivial and seem to indicate a certain adaptation to prison life. Sources close to the FCC investigation state that Mamy Ravatomanga is now more collaborative during interrogation sessions at the prison. This is a notable change from his earlier demeanor. He even hinted that he wished he had provided his explanations to the FCC much earlier in the investigation process.

Meanwhile, the investigation is ongoing. The FCC awaits further information from certain Malagasy authorities as part of their inquiry into the billionaire's financial activities. For Mamy Ravatomanga, the year-end festivities will be unusual: Christmas and New Year 2025 will be spent within the walls of Melrose, a first for a man used to a life of luxury.