Britain has sanctioned Isabel dos Santos, the billionaire daughter of Angola’s former president, as part of a broader effort to combat money laundering. The sanctions were announced by the UK’s Labour government, fulfilling a pledge to crack down on financial corruption.
Alongside dos Santos, the measures target exiled Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash and Latvian tycoon Aivars Lembergs. The UK government described the three as “notorious kleptocrats,” freezing their assets and imposing travel bans.
The foreign secretary criticized their actions, stating that they exploited public resources for personal gain, depriving citizens of vital investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Dos Santos is accused of embezzling $440 million during her tenure at Angola’s state oil firm, Sonangol, and telecom company, Unitel.
Dos Santos, who has faced corruption charges in multiple countries since her father’s presidency ended in 2017, denies the allegations, claiming they are part of a political vendetta. She maintains her innocence, describing herself as Africa’s first female billionaire.
In response to the UK sanctions, dos Santos called the decision “incorrect and unjustified.” She expressed frustration over not being given a chance to defend herself and announced plans to appeal.