Isabel dos Santos

Isabel dos Santos, daughter of former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos, has been the subject of extensive international investigations and legal actions following the 2020 Luanda Leaks, which detailed how she allegedly built a fortune using state resources. In Angola, she faces charges of embezzlement, money laundering, influence peddling, and forgery related to her 2016 to 2017 tenure as chair of the state-owned oil company, Sonangol. Prosecutors allege these actions caused $219 million in state losses, and she has been subject to Interpol Red Notices and various asset freezes. Internationally, the United Kingdom, United States, and Portugal have imposed sanctions or asset freezes, with the UK government alleging she embezzled at least £350 million ($443 million). A UK High Court froze approximately £580 million ($736 million) of her assets in 2023 following a lawsuit by Unitel. Additionally, a Dutch tribunal declared a 2017 stake acquisition in the oil firm Galp illegal. Dos Santos denies all allegations of wrongdoing, characterizing them as a politically motivated persecution by the current Angolan government, and maintains that no court has found her guilty of corruption or bribery.