IFPA: Former Director remanded in custody in Antanimora for corruption and favoritism

The Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau (BIANCO) has reported the discovery of serious irregularities within the Institute for Professional Training of Lawyers (IFPA), an institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. The investigation was initiated following a complaint and concerns the organization of entrance examinations and the Certificate of Aptitude for the Legal Profession (CAPA) examinations for the 17th and 18th graduating classes (2024–2025).

The investigation revealed several serious breaches of the rules governing access to the legal profession, including the fraudulent admission of a 19-year-old candidate, in violation of the minimum age requirement of 21, as well as the organization of clandestine examinations outside the official schedule, the results of which were incorporated into final grades. Additional findings include the solicitation of 7,000,000 ariary in exchange for admission, the deliberate deletion of digital data to obstruct the investigation, and acts of favoritism benefiting candidates connected to certain professional circles. These actions constitute serious violations of the principles of transparency, equal opportunity, and merit that should govern access to the legal profession. Based on the evidence gathered, the acts may constitute offenses of abuse of office, favoritism, and passive corruption, as defined and punishable under applicable anti-corruption laws.

Following the investigation, the former IFPA director was brought before the Public Prosecutor at the Anti-Corruption Unit in Antananarivo and placed in pre-trial detention at Antanimora Central Prison, pending further judicial proceedings.

This case highlights serious misconduct within a training system that is essential to the administration of justice. It underscores the importance of strict adherence to the principles of integrity, transparency, and fairness in selection and evaluation processes. BIANCO continues its efforts to combat all forms of corruption, including within judicial institutions, with the aim of strengthening the credibility of the justice system and enhancing public trust.