Madagascar Boeing 777 trial centres on tycoon

A corruption trial opening in Antananarivo on Tuesday, October 27, will examine how five Boeing 777s were routed to Iran through temporary Malagasy registrations, with businessman Mamy Ravatomanga the most prominent defendant.

Ravatomanga, 57, a former close ally of deposed president Andry Rajoelina, is being held in Mauritius. He faces accusations of money laundering and influence peddling in the case and denies wrongdoing.

The planes, now registered to Iranian carrier Mahan Air, never physically entered Madagascar. Malagasy investigators believe the registrations allowed them to transit international airspace before reaching Iran in July 2025.

An indictment says co-defendant Singh Khushwinder, suspected of being the true owner of the company used to register the aircraft in Madagascar, told investigators that Ravatomanga received five million euros from the operation. Ravatomanga's lawyers challenged the claim, citing inconsistent versions of the allegation, including a reference to $5 million at a Mauritian bail hearing.

The Mauritian anti-corruption watchdog said a joint investigation by the FBI and Mauritius's Financial Crimes Commission produced witness statements, digital evidence and recordings to support the corruption allegation.

Prosecutors have cited photographs allegedly taken during a meeting at a Novotel hotel in Antananarivo. Madagascar's anti-corruption unit says participants included then transport minister Valery Ramonjavelo, civil aviation authority chief Gervais Damasy, Khushwinder and Iranian national Hamid Arabnejad.

In total, 28 people are being prosecuted. Ravatomanga will not be in the dock after fleeing to Mauritius days before a military coup ousted Rajoelina in October 2025. Mauritian courts have rejected two bail requests, citing flight-risk concerns.