Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina’s former chief of staff was sentenced to three years and six months in jail by a London court on Friday for requesting substantial sums of money in exchange for exclusive mining rights from Gemfields, a UK-based company that specializes in mining rubies and emeralds. 

Romy Andrianarisoa, 47, was arrested and charged alongside her colleague Phillipe Tabuteau, 54, in August 2023. Tabuteau pleaded guilty in September 2023 while Andrianarisoa pleaded not guilty.

According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), Andrianarisoa approached Gemsfields via an agent before several in-person conversations to discuss potential contracts. Gemsfields reported concerns about corruption to the NCA, which launched an investigation using covert tactics. Both Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau were found guilty by the Southwark Crown Court on February 20.

On Friday, judgment was delivered at Southwark Crown Court where the president’s aide was sentenced to three years and six months and Tabuteau was sentenced to two years and three months in jail.

After the sentencing of the pair, the NCA released new audio clips exposing the bribery in action. The NCA reported that in one of the six audio clips, the duo requested 250,000 Swiss Francs as payment for organizing an invitation from the president of Madagascar to initiate the collaboration and to procure that joint venture terms were signed. A further request for an additional “success fee” in the form of a five percent equity stake and a goodwill payment to get the project moving was also made.

The NCA commended its ability to capitalize on cooperation from industry and its determination to bring to justice those who undermine the rule of law. The NCA also complimented Gemsfields for bringing the matter to its attention and for their cooperation.