The United Kingdom has sanctioned Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos, imposing a travel ban and freezing her assets under its global anti-corruption sanctions framework, the British government announced Thursday.
Dos Santos, the daughter of former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos, who ruled for 38 years until 2017, has long been accused of corruption in Angola and internationally. She denies the allegations, claiming they stem from a politically motivated campaign against her.
According to UK authorities, dos Santos misappropriated over £50 million ($63.2 million) while leading Angola’s state oil company, Sonangol. She is also accused of misappropriating more than £300 million during her tenure as director of the telecommunications firm Unitel.
In September, a London High Court upheld an order freezing up to £580 million of her assets in connection to a lawsuit filed by Unitel. Additionally, in 2022, Interpol issued a red notice for dos Santos, who currently resides in Dubai.
The sanctions against dos Santos are part of a broader crackdown, with the UK targeting seven other individuals under its anti-corruption regime.
