More details have emerged regarding the embezzlement case involving former MP Marie Michelle Sahondrarimalala. The case, concerning an “abuse of power and misappropriation of 833,236,600 ariary intended for the purchase of school desks for ‘manara-penitra’ (standardized) institutions,” was brought before the Antananarivo Anti-Corruption Pole (PAC) on Monday.
Of the nine suspects, five were placed in pre-trial detention, three failed to appear, and the former Minister of National Education was referred to the Supreme Court due to her status, according to a PAC statement.
The Ministry of Justice stated that three companies are also involved. Charges include “granting unjustified advantages, money laundering, forgery and use of forgery, complicity, and illegal interest-taking.”
The PAC reported that direct procurement contracts were awarded in violation of public procurement rules. It also noted suspicions of conflict of interest, where a single individual held multiple roles, including contracting authority, secondary authorizing officer, and head of the procurement commission.
Investigators found that several suspects signed reports confirming the receipt of desks, which are now considered fraudulent. The investigation also focuses on the alleged use of straw men in managing involved companies.
The PAC stated that the 833.2 million ariary allegedly embezzled corresponds to 1,841 desks that were paid for by the state but never delivered, out of a total order of 18,399. Only 16,558 desks were confirmed as delivered.
In January 2026, while Marie Michelle Sahondrarimalala was being questioned by the Supreme Court regarding a state security case, Justice Minister Fanirisoa Ernaivo noted her involvement in the Ministry of National Education embezzlement case. Currently in pre-trial detention at Avaradrano prison for destabilization threats, she was questioned by the State General Inspectorate in March 2026 regarding this misappropriation case.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-11 10:23:59 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/justice-cinq-individus-places-en-detention-preventive-dans-un-dossier-de-detournement-de-fonds-ou-marie-michelle-sahondrarimalala-est-soupconnee/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=justice-cinq-individus-places-en-detention-preventive-dans-un-dossier-de-detournement-de-fonds-ou-marie-michelle-sahondrarimalala-est-soupconnee