Taarifa investigative Desk has established that a massive U$919million was embezzled by 15 Ministries of Madagascar’s government.

According to an audit, the theft of this money occurred in a period of five years.

The audit targeting 15 ministries and state agencies showed, the embezzlement was in major infrastructure projects, including an urban train and cable car transport system, according to the presidential communication director Harry Laurent Rahajason.

The Presidency is cracking the whip in it’s anti corruption campaign aimed at cleaning up the government parastatals.

Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries, with widespread corruption, ranking 140th out of 180 territories on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index in 2024.

The current administration, facing pressure after a 2025 military-led coup, has appointed anti-corruption experts to strengthen efforts to investigate, arrest culprits and also recovery of the resources.

Transitional authorities want to recover approximately U$5 billion in public funds allegedly embezzled and transferred abroad, an amount equivalent to the nation’s entire annual budget.

Authorities have also issued multiple international arrest warrants against suspects for money laundering, tax evasion, and embezzlement.

Ravatomanga, a billionaire and key ally of former President Andry Rajoelina, was arrested in Mauritius in late 2025.

Justice Minister, Fanirisoa Ernaivo,  leads a special anti-crime unit, collaborating with Mauritius and other international partners to freeze assets and repatriate stolen money.

As of March 2026, approximately U$4.75 million linked to embezzlement within the Kraoma Malagasy mining company has already been repatriated.