Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) on Monday said the Madagascan president’s chief of staff had been arrested in London after being suspected of seeking a bribe from precious stone miner Gemfields (GEMGE.L).

Romy Andrianarisoa, who worked for Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina, was arrested along with a French associate at a meeting in London, where the NCA said they were believed to have attempted to solicit a bribe to secure licences to operate in the African island nation.

Neither the spokespeople for Mr Rajoelina’s office nor the suspects’ representatives were available immediately.

The NCA said the pair sought around £225,000 ($286,000) in upfront charges and a five per cent equity stake.

“I am grateful to Gemfields for bringing this matter to our attention and for their ongoing cooperation with the investigation,” Andy Kelly, head of the NCA’s international corruption unit, said in a statement.

“Their quick reactions to engage the NCA have been critical to our ability to pursue this case,” he added.

The UK-based miner owned the Faberge jewellery brand, operated ruby and emerald mines in southern Africa, and had been exploring setting up operations in countries including Ethiopia and Madagascar.

Mr Andrianarisoa, 46, and French national Philippe Tabuteau, 54, appeared in court on Saturday and were remanded in custody until their next hearing in London on September 8.

Gemfields declined to comment.

(Reuters/NAN)