Title: The opaque underbelly of the DMC Industries affair: a scandal that shakes Madagascar
Introduction :
In the thorny case opposing DMC Industries, a company importing crude palm oil, to Malagasy customs, the stakes are high. Accusations of false declarations, seizures of goods, billions of ariary and hundreds of jobs are at stake. A complex affair which highlights the opaque underbelly of the palm oil sector in Madagascar.
Accusations of favoritism:
The Malagasy company DMC Industries, formerly known as Bidco, claims to be the victim of harassment by Malagasy customs. According to its lawyers, the company imported raw palm oil intended to be transformed into refined oil. Customs, for their part, accuse DMC Industries of falsely declaring goods in order to pay less taxes. A case which casts doubt on the transparency of the Malagasy customs system.
Conflicting evidence:
Lawyers for DMC Industries assert that all the analyses, carried out by the supplier and the Pasteur Institute, confirm that the imported oils were indeed crude oils. They therefore accuse customs of wanting to protect certain players in the palm oil sector and of promoting competition. Customs, for their part, claim to have documents and sample analyzes proving DMC Industries’ false declarations. A real battle of evidence is taking place in this complex case.
An economic impact and a negative image:
Beyond the legal and financial issues, this affair also has an impact on the Malagasy economy. In fact, the DMC Industries crude oil refining plant has been shut down for a year, putting hundreds of jobs at risk. In addition, this affair casts a shadow on the country’s image vis-à-vis investors, who could be deterred by the potential questionable practices of the Malagasy customs system.
Conclusion :
The DMC Industries affair highlights the dysfunctions and opacity of the customs system in Madagascar. Between accusations of favoritism, contradictory evidence and important economic issues, this affair raises many questions. It is now up to the Malagasy justice system to decide and restore the truth in this affair which is shaking up the palm oil sector in Madagascar.