Scandal in the gem mines of Madagascar

A former Chief of Staff to the president of Madagascar who demanded millions of pounds worth of bribes in return for the rights to mine for emeralds and rubies has been jailed. Romy Andrianarisoa, 47, and her associate Philippe Tabuteau, 54, who is a French citizen requested large amounts of cash in exchange for their help securing an exclusive mining joint enterprise with the island’s government. Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau tried to solicit a bribe from Gemfields, a UK-based company that…