The chief of staff for the president of Madagascar has been accused of asking a gem mining company for a bribe in the UK.
Romy Andrianarisoa and a companion are accused of offering permits in Madagascar for about £225,000 to the British company Gemfields.
She and her friend Philippe Tabuteau are accused of asking for, consenting to receive, or taking a bribe.
After a brief court hearing on Saturday, both were ordered to remain in detention.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has accused Ms. Andrianarisoa, 46, and Mr. Tabuteau, a 54-year-old French national, of attempting to get a 5% ownership stake in any initiatives undertaken by Gemfields Madagascar.
According to the agency, the two were detained on Thursday afternoon in central London’s Victoria neighbourhood at a meeting when they were allegedly trying to solicit bribes.
Head of the NCA’s international corruption division Andy Kelly stated: “I am grateful to Gemfields for bringing this matter to our attention and for their ongoing cooperation with the investigation.”
Ms. Andrianarisoa and Mr. Tabuteau were both remanded in custody after their court appearance on Saturday and are scheduled to return on September 8 at Southwark Crown Court.
The alleged crimes’ licences were not identified by the NCA