Mamy Ravatomanga to Face Trial Over Sanctions Evasion
The businessman faces charges for allegedly routing five Boeing 777 jets to Iran.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Mamy Ravatomanga is set to face trial for his alleged role in routing five Boeing 777 aircraft to Iran to evade U.S. sanctions. The case involves a total of 28 individuals facing prosecution.
Why it matters
The prosecution highlights international efforts to stop the circumvention of U.S. sanctions against Iranian interests. Authorities allege that the aircraft transit through Madagascar was a deliberate attempt to bypass regulatory oversight.
Twenty-eight individuals are being prosecuted in the case, with Mamy Ravatomanga currently held in Mauritius. Mauritian courts have rejected two separate bail requests, most recently on October 12, 2026.
The players
Mamy Ravatomanga
He is a businessman currently detained in Mauritius pending trial for his alleged role in a sanctions evasion scheme.
Mahan Air
This is an Iranian carrier that registered the five Boeing 777s after they were routed through Madagascar.
Singh Khushwinder
He is a co-defendant in the case who reportedly provided testimony regarding the alleged 5 million euro payment.
Andry Rajoelina
He is the political figure who was ousted from power in Madagascar during a military coup in October 2025.
The details
Investigators claim that Ion Aviation acquired the jets and parked them in China before re-registering them in Madagascar to transit international airspace. Co-defendant Singh Khushwinder alleged that Ravatomanga received 5 million euros for his role in the operation.
Timeline
The five Boeing 777 jets reached Iran in July 2025.
Andry Rajoelina was ousted in a military coup in October 2025.
The U.S. Treasury announced sanctions on two of the aircraft in April 2026.
Mauritian courts rejected a bail request for Ravatomanga on October 12, 2026.
Legal Context
The case follows a pattern established by the U.S. Treasury sanctions against Iranian aviation. It underscores the ongoing international focus on disrupting illicit supply chains used to bypass established trade restrictions.
The proceedings may result in tighter international scrutiny of aircraft registrations and transit routes through jurisdictions like Madagascar. Residents and stakeholders in global logistics may see increased regulatory compliance checks at major transit hubs.
The takeaway
Sanctions evasion remains a high-priority target for international financial investigators. Maintaining strict oversight of asset registrations is critical for businesses operating in high-risk sectors.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing efforts to combat global Financial Crime.
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Should governments hold local business leaders strictly accountable for sanctions violations committed by their international partners?
