Categories: News & Events

José Filomeno dos Santos named suspect in $500m fraud case

José Filomeno dos Santos was removed as head of a $5bn wealth fund this year

The son of Angola’s ex-President José Eduardo dos Santos has been formally accused of fraud over the alleged illegal transfer of $500m (£350m) from the central bank to the UK.

José Filomeno dos Santos is also barred from leaving the country, deputy Attorney General Luis Benza Zanga said.

Mr Dos Santos is the highest profile person targeted in new President João Lourenço’s anti-corruption drive.

He had led oil-rich Angola’s sovereign wealth fund during his father’s rule.

However, he was removed from this role in January, months after a BBC investigation into Angola’s $5bn fund and following an internal governance review.

The allegations against him relate to the $500m transferred to a British bank, which was then frozen by authorities in the UK. The UK say the money can now be returned.

Mr Dos Santos was formally named a suspect in the investigation, along with the former governor of Angola’s central bank, Valter Filipe da Silva.

Neither were immediately available to comment.

Related Post

Mr Zanga said there was no chance of the case falling under any sort of amnesty currently being offered by the government.

“A pardon will not work… this case will run to its final outcome,” he said.

Image copyrightREUTERS
Image captionIsabel Dos Santos, who was sacked as head of oil firm Sonangol, is Africa’s richest woman

Mr Dos Santos was the second of the former president’s children to be dismissed by Mr Lourenço.

His sister Isabel was removed as head of the state oil company Sonangol last year.

Billionaire Ms Dos Santos is Africa’s richest woman; it is not known how much her brother is worth. Many of the former president’s children have government-linked roles.

Mr Dos Santos stepped down after 38 years in power last year. Mr Lourenço, also known as JLo, succeeded him with a promise of cracking down on corruption.

He has also developed a reputation for pushing aside powerful figures associated with his predecessor.

Angola is Africa’s second-biggest oil producer.




  • umar abdullahi

    Recent Posts

    Heart Attack Causes and its Solution

    What is the Main Cause of a Heart Attack? What is its Solution? A heart attack is the blockage of… Read More

    11 months ago

    Understanding the Debt Ceiling: Its Impact, Importance, and Implications

    In the vast economic arena, one term that often takes center stage, inciting extensive debates and discussions, is the "debt… Read More

    1 year ago

    De-Dollarization: The New World Order of Currency and Its Global Impact

    De-Dollarization: The Changing Face of Global Finance The financial landscape is in a state of flux, with an intriguing economic… Read More

    1 year ago

    Unstoppable Bayern Munich: The Story Behind Their 11th Consecutive Bundesliga Title

    The curtains closed on a dramatic Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich standing tall once again, clinching their 11th straight title.… Read More

    1 year ago

    Celine Dion Cancels Concert Tour Due to Deteriorating Stiff-Person Syndrome

    The Unfolding Story of Celine Dion's Health In recent news that has left fans across the globe stunned, iconic singer… Read More

    1 year ago

    Navigating the Crossroads: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the LA Lakers’ Uncertain Future

    As the echoes of the recent NBA season start to fade, the attention of enthusiasts is firmly glued to one… Read More

    1 year ago