Romy Voos Andrianarisoa (born 1977) is a former high-ranking Malagasy official who served as the Chief of Staff to President Andry Rajoelina. Her career came to a dramatic end in 2023 when she was arrested in London for soliciting bribes from a British mining firm. As of January 11, 2026, she is serving a prison sentence in the United Kingdom, having become the first foreign public official to be convicted under the UK’s 2010 Bribery Act.
Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Romy Voos Andrianarisoa |
| Born | 1977, Madagascar |
| Former Office | Chief of Staff to the President of Madagascar (2023) |
| Current Status | Incarcerated (HM Prison Service, United Kingdom) |
| Sentence | 3.5 Years (Sentenced May 10, 2024) |
| Offense | Soliciting bribes contrary to the UK Bribery Act 2010. |
2024–2026: The Landmark UK Conviction
Entering 2026, Andrianarisoa’s case remains a landmark study in international anti-corruption efforts.
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The Sentencing (May 10, 2024): After a trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, Andrianarisoa was sentenced to three years and six months in prison. The judge, Justice Christopher Butcher, described her actions as a “serious breach of trust” that undermined the integrity of international business.
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Current Status (January 2026): She has served approximately 20 months of her sentence. Under standard UK sentencing guidelines, prisoners are often eligible for release on license after serving half of their term. Consequently, she may be eligible for release and potential deportation back to Madagascar by late 2026 or early 2027.
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The “Malagasy Values” Narrative (2025): Interestingly, in early 2025, while she was already incarcerated, various articles appeared in regional African press (such as APAnews in April 2025) attempting to reframe her legacy as an “advocate for Malagasy values” like Fihavanana (social harmony). Analysts view this as an attempt by her supporters to preserve her reputation within Madagascar ahead of her eventual return.
The “Gemfields” Sting
The downfall of Rajoelina’s top aide was the result of a “fast-paced” undercover operation by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA):
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The Solicitation: In early 2023, shortly after becoming Chief of Staff, Andrianarisoa approached Gemfields, a UK-based mining giant, offering to help them secure lucrative ruby and emerald mining rights in Madagascar.
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The Bribe: She and her associate, Philippe Tabuteau, requested roughly £225,000 in “upfront charges” and a 5% equity stake in the resulting joint venture.
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The Arrest (August 10, 2023): Gemfields reported the approach to the NCA, which deployed an undercover officer codenamed “Charles.” Andrianarisoa was recorded in a London hotel saying, “There is my work for the government… but there is also my work of, you know, earning my life.” She was arrested immediately after the meeting and promptly dismissed by President Rajoelina.
2026 Context: A Nation in Transition
In early 2026, the context of Andrianarisoa’s crime has taken on new weight following the October 2025 ousting of her former boss, Andry Rajoelina.
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Institutional Corruption: The new military-civilian council in Madagascar, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has cited the Andrianarisoa scandal as a primary example of the “systemic rot” that justified the recent change in government.
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Repatriation Concerns: There are ongoing discussions in Antananarivo regarding whether she will face additional charges upon her return to Madagascar, as the new administration seeks to prove its anti-corruption credentials to the international community.