Madagascar seeks Interpol red notice for ex-President Andry Rajoelina's ally linked to Boeing deal with Iran
Investigators allege that the aircraft deal was made possible through falsified registration documents issued under the name of Madagascar's Civil Aviation Authority (ACM), but the agency has denied any involvement, claiming the certificates were forged without its knowledge.
Madagascar has asked Interpol to issue a red notice for the arrest of Mamy Ravatomanga, a prominent businessman and close ally of ousted President Andry Rajoelina, over his alleged involvement in the illegal transfer of Boeing aircraft to Iran in violation of United States sanctions.
In a letter dated October 20 and seen by AFP, Madagascar's justice ministry said Ravatomanga had been named by one of the suspects as part of a network behind the transfer of five Boeing 777s to Iranian airline Mahan Air in July.
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Investigators allege that the aircraft deal was made possible through falsified registration documents issued under the name of Madagascar's Civil Aviation Authority (ACM), but the agency has denied any involvement, claiming the certificates were forged without its knowledge.
Additional reports indicate that several suspects detained in Madagascar told authorities during interrogations conducted with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) assistance that Ravatomanga orchestrated the scheme.
The letter reportedly described Ravatomanga, one of Madagascar's wealthiest figures, as "an individual sought in the case but currently at large," urging Interpol to help locate and detain him.
Ravatomanga, 56, fled to Mauritius on October 12, just two days before a military coup that forced President Rajoelina from office. Authorities in Mauritius have since frozen his assets and issued a local arrest warrant on October 16 on money-laundering charges, but his exact whereabouts remain unknown.
Ravatomanga built a vast business empire under the Sodiat Group, spanning construction, transport and media. He has long been considered a key financier and confidant of Rajoelina, whose administration has faced repeated accusations of corruption.
His name has repeatedly surfaced in corruption and smuggling scandals, from illicit rosewood exports to questionable procurement deals tied to state contracts.
In 2023, for instance, a former Malagasy minister was jailed for slander after testifying against Ravatomanga in a rosewood trafficking case, while whistle-blowers who exposed irregularities in Madagascar's lucrative lychee trade reported arrests and intimidation.
The scandal comes amid deep political turmoil following the October 14 coup led by CAPSAT army commander Michael Randrianirina, who has since been sworn in as president.
Randrianirina, who subsequently appointed a civilian prime minister, has pledged elections in 18 to 24 months.
"We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a fine constitution ... and to agree on new electoral laws for the organisation of elections and referendums," he said during his swearing-in ceremony.
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