The UK government has sanctioned Isabel dos Santos, Angola’s billionaire businesswoman and daughter of former President José Eduardo dos Santos, as part of a broader campaign against global corruption. The sanctions, announced Thursday, also target Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash and Latvian businessman Aivars Lembergs, both accused of exploiting their positions for personal gain.
In a statement, the UK Foreign Ministry described the three as “infamous kleptocrats” who have “stolen their countries’ wealth for personal enrichment.” The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes, effectively barring them from accessing their wealth in the UK.
Dos Santos, once hailed as Africa’s richest woman, faces accusations of embezzling at least £350 million ($443 million) during her tenure at Angola’s state-run oil company, Sonangol, between 2016 and 2017. The UK government claims she systematically abused her authority, depriving Angola of critical resources needed for development.
Angolan authorities have been pursuing dos Santos on corruption charges, and she was previously sanctioned by the United States in 2021 for her alleged involvement in “significant corruption.” Responding to the UK sanctions, dos Santos called the decision “incorrect and unjustified,” vowing to appeal.
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“I hope the United Kingdom will allow me to present evidence to refute these fabricated lies by the Angolan regime,” she said in a Portuguese-language statement. “No court has found me guilty of corruption or bribery. This is yet another politically motivated attack on me and my family.”
The sanctions also extend to Dmytro Firtash, a Ukrainian tycoon with ties to ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Firtash is currently fighting extradition from Austria to the United States, where he faces bribery and racketeering charges. The UK accuses him of siphoning hundreds of millions of pounds from Ukraine through corrupt practices, including controlling the gas distribution network.
Ukrainian authorities have also sanctioned Firtash, accusing him of selling titanium products to Russian military companies. The UK alleges he has hidden millions in ill-gotten gains within its property market.
Latvian businessman Aivars Lembergs, accused of abusing his political position to commit bribery and launder money, was also sanctioned.
The UK’s move underscores its commitment to cracking down on international corruption. “These sanctions send a clear message that the UK will not be a safe haven for those who profit from corruption and the exploitation of their nations,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The sanctions come as part of a wider effort to combat kleptocracy and ensure that individuals accused of corruption face accountability on a global stage.
