Is Isabel dos Santos under an international arrest warrant?

Is Isabel dos Santos under an international arrest warrant

On November 18, the Portuguese news agency Lusa revealed that Interpol is looking for the daughter of the former Angolan president, José Eduardo dos Santos. But the lawyers of businesswoman Isabel dos Santos are not aware that an international arrest warrant has been issued against her. For several years, Isabel dos Santos has been under investigation in Angola for embezzlement of public funds. But the defense of the richest woman in Africa, refutes the information of Lusa.

We have consulted the Interpol database, and to date, there is no reference to the issuance of a warrant on behalf of Isabel dos Santos, explains the press release from her lawyers. They specify that their client is well aware of the legal proceedings in progress against her, in Angola as in Portugal. They recall that Isabel dos Santos has always surrendered to the summonses of the Portuguese justice.

Twelve years in prison

On November 18, Lusa revealed the existence of an international arrest warrant for extradition at the request of the Attorney General of the Republic of Angola. According to the Interpol document, which the Portuguese press agency was able to consult, Isabel dos Santos is wanted for embezzlement, aggravated fraud, criminal association, influence peddling and money laundering. Facts for which she can incur a sentence of up to twelve years in prison.

Africa’s richest woman

A formidable businesswoman, Isabel dos Santos is today the richest woman in Africa. She was notably at the head of the Sonangolthe Angolan national oil company, from June 2016 to November 2017. According to the Interpol mandate, it would have embezzled, during this period, more than 200 million euros.

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