Lagos, Nigeria – The United Kingdom has announced sanctions against Angolan businesswoman Isabel dos Santos, daughter of former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos. The measures include freezing all her assets under UK jurisdiction and banning her entry into the country as part of the global anti-corruption sanctions regime.
Isabel dos Santos is accused of embezzling over £50 million (approximately $63 million) from Angola’s state oil company, Sonangol, and orchestrating a scheme to divert more than £300 million ($377 million) from Unitel, one of Angola’s largest telecommunications firms. UK authorities claim much of these funds were used to acquire luxury properties and investments within the country.
Once hailed as Africa’s richest woman, dos Santos is also facing allegations of money laundering and corruption in other jurisdictions, including Portugal and the United Arab Emirates. The total value of assets under investigation worldwide is estimated to exceed $1.2 billion.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the sanctions underscore the UK’s commitment to combating global corruption:
“We will not allow corrupt individuals to use the United Kingdom as a safe haven for their illicit gains. Isabel dos Santos exemplifies how corruption can erode institutions and harm millions.”
Lammy emphasized that this action is part of broader efforts to dismantle money laundering networks that exploit the UK financial system.
In a statement, dos Santos announced her intention to challenge the sanctions, denying all accusations:
“These allegations are baseless and politically motivated by the Angolan regime. I am prepared to present evidence that will refute these fabricated claims.”
The businesswoman is currently facing legal proceedings in at least five jurisdictions, including Angola, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the UAE, and the United States.
In addition to dos Santos, other individuals linked to the alleged corruption schemes have also been sanctioned. These include her business associate and adviser Paula Oliveira and former Sonangol Chief Financial Officer Sarju Raikundalia. Both have had their assets frozen and are barred from entering the UK.
The UK sanctions reflect mounting international pressure on individuals connected to large-scale corruption cases. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have praised the move, stressing the importance of holding those who exploit international financial systems accountable.
In recent years, dos Santos has lost control of several of her assets in Angola and abroad, including luxury properties in London and Lisbon. However, analysts suggest that parts of her wealth remain concealed within complex offshore networks.
The sanctions take effect immediately and are part of a coordinated effort between the UK and European Union countries. Investigations are ongoing, with the UK government signaling that further action may target additional figures involved in global corruption schemes.
As legal proceedings continue at Angola’s Supreme Court and additional probes unfold across the European Union, Isabel dos Santos finds herself at the center of one of the most significant global campaigns against corruption and money laundering.
