Mamy Ravatomanga, a Madagascar businessman, remains in custody after his bail request was denied again, with fears of flight and obstruction of justice.
Bail request denied again
Mamy Ravatomanga, a Madagascar businessman, had his second request for release on bail denied by the Bail and Remand Court of Port-Louis on Monday, October 12, 2026. The court cited concerns about his potential flight and interference with a major financial investigation.Prolonged detention criticized
Ravatomanga's lawyers criticized the prolonged detention without trial and announced a new appeal before the Supreme Court. They argue that the detention has become punitive rather than a measure to ensure justice.Arrest and charges
Ravatomanga was arrested on October 24, 2025, on suspicion of money laundering and influence peddling linked to financial flows between Madagascar and Mauritius. He is a prominent businessman with ties to former President Andry Rajoelina.Investigation scope
The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) of Mauritius is investigating approximately 7.3 billion Mauritian rupees, or about 137 million euros, held in accounts and companies linked to Ravatomanga. The investigation includes several economic cases in Madagascar, such as lychee exports, wheat imports, and the Samcrete highway project.Judicial concerns
The FCC argues that releasing Ravatomanga could jeopardize ongoing international investigations. The court is concerned about the risk of flight, pressure on witnesses, and potential evidence tampering. The FCC's lawyer emphasized that these concerns are real, not hypothetical.Supreme Court ruling
The Supreme Court had previously rejected an appeal challenging his detention, stating that the magistrate correctly exercised her discretion. The court noted Ravatomanga's foreign assets and the risk of witness pressure and evidence manipulation.Meeting and legal defense
A meeting between Ravatomanga and former FCC commissioner Junaid Fakim in Quatre-Bornes is central to the charge of delictual agreement. Ravatomanga admits to the meeting but denies any intent to influence an investigation. His lawyers argue that the detention is unjustified and lacks a factual basis.Health and legal concerns
Ravatomanga's lawyers highlight his serious health conditions, including a heart condition requiring two stents, diabetes, and hypertension. They claim the prison system cannot adequately address his medical needs. They also question the risk of evidence disappearing, noting that many documents have already been seized.Political context
The case is linked to the political upheaval in Madagascar in October 2025, when former President Andry Rajoelina's regime fell. Ravatomanga's legal team argues that the change in regime influenced the initiation of the investigation. They emphasize the need for an independent judiciary.Next steps
Ravatomanga's lawyers plan a new appeal before the Supreme Court, possibly leading to a submission to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 3. He remains presumed innocent, with the charges against him still provisional.
