The British government has imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos, citing her involvement in corruption under the UK’s global anti-corruption sanctions regime. Dos Santos, the daughter of former Angolan president Jose Eduardo dos Santos, has been accused of embezzling millions of dollars during her time running the state oil company Sonangol and the telecom firm Unitel.
The British government claims she misappropriated over £50 million ($63.19 million) from Sonangol and more than £300 million from Unitel for personal gain. Dos Santos, who denies the accusations, has maintained that she is the target of a politically motivated campaign.
In September, she lost a legal bid to overturn an asset freeze of up to £580 million related to a lawsuit brought by Unitel in London’s High Court. Interpol issued a red notice for her in 2022, and reports suggest she resides in Dubai.
In addition to Dos Santos, the UK government has imposed sanctions on seven other individuals under the same global anti-corruption framework.
