Angolan business magnate Isabel dos Santos criticizes the UK government's sanctions against her, asserting her innocence and claiming political motivations behind the accusations.
Isabel dos Santos Defends Herself Against UK Sanctions Over Corruption Allegations
Isabel dos Santos Defends Herself Against UK Sanctions Over Corruption Allegations
Isabel dos Santos speaks out against UK sanctions, claiming political motivations behind the accusations.
Isabel dos Santos, once celebrated as Africa's richest woman, is voicing her dissent against recently imposed sanctions by the UK, which label her as a "notorious kleptocrat." Speaking on BBC Africa Daily, dos Santos expressed her surprise at the asset freeze and travel ban, asserting that she has not been convicted of any corruption charges. The UK sanctions, announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, are part of a broader initiative to address "dirty money" linked to serious corruption, with the UK government alleging that dos Santos embezzled approximately £350 million from Angola.
In response, dos Santos claims that the allegations lack credible evidence and that her reputation has been tarnished by political motivations from the Angolan government, which she believes is seeking to divert attention from its own shortcomings. She describes the absence of a formal inquiry or due process as particularly troubling. A spokesperson from Angola's attorney-general maintains that investigations into her conduct are ongoing, and emphasizes that no political entities are involved in the legal proceedings against her.
Key accusations against dos Santos emerged from the "Luanda Leaks" investigation, which suggested wrongdoing during her tenure as head of Angola's state oil company, Sonangol. Dos Santos argues that the timing of the sanctions—shortly after her father's presidency ended—underscores the politically charged nature of these allegations. She further contests the integrity of the initial asset freeze process, claiming it relied on fabricated documents.
Despite losing her billionaire status due to asset freezes and restrictions in Angola, dos Santos emphasizes her contributions as a major employer and taxpayer within the country. With a complicated personal and professional backdrop, she hints at a possible future in Angolan politics, reinforcing her desire to continue serving her nation. If she returns to Angola, she risks arrest due to an Interpol Red Notice, which has added layers of complexity to an already tumultuous situation as she seeks to clarify her side of the narrative to dispel prevalent misconceptions.
