Investigation into Money Laundering Targeting Mamy Ravatomanga: Malagasy Minister Ernaivo Expected with New Evidence

Fanirisoa Ernaivo, the Malagasy Minister of Justice, has been in Mauritius since February 4 and is expected at the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) this Friday, February 6. She is anticipated to present new evidence, including information regarding an international arrest warrant targeting Mamy Ravatomanga.

The minister is expected to provide these details to the FCC as part of an investigation into a cross-border money laundering case involving over Rs 7.3 billion and the Malagasy tycoon Mamy Ravatomanga. She is also set to deliver additional evidence against him, as he is considered a close associate of former Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina.

Mamy Ravatomanga arrived in Mauritius on October 12, 2025, during a discreet escape from Madagascar following a military takeover. He was accompanied by former Malagasy Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and several associates. The former head of government left Mauritius shortly thereafter, while Mamy Ravatomanga remained on the island. On October 24, while at a clinic, he was arrested. The anti-corruption commission's investigation had established his alleged involvement in a large-scale money laundering offense on Malagasy territory.

The FCC's investigation also includes several aspects related to alleged offenses involving Mamy Ravatomanga, including rosewood trafficking, wheat trade, and lychee exports. Another case, for which the FCC has gathered information, involves alleged irregularities linked to the acquisition of five Iranian Boeing aircraft.

In November 2025, the Malagasy Gen Z movement in Mauritius alerted the FCC about suspicions of corruption with international ramifications involving Mamy Ravatomanga. The movement highlighted the case of the sale of Malagasy Boeing 777 aircraft to Iran, alleging that international sanctions were circumvented.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also interested in this case. At the FCC, representatives from the Gen Z movement had submitted documents presented as damning evidence. The FCC will need to determine Mamy Ravatomanga's exact role in the transaction concerning the sale of these aircraft, which the Iranian company Mahan Air purportedly obtained in July 2025 after temporary registration certificates were issued by the Malagasy Civil Aviation (ACM). However, Malagasy authorities have mentioned the existence of forged certificates in this matter.

Another aspect concerns rosewood trafficking along the Mauritius-Madagascar route. This investigation, initiated in 2013, was reactivated following Mamy Ravatomanga's arrest. At that time, seven containers of rosewood were seized at the port. The investigation was later halted due to a lack of cooperation from Malagasy authorities.