Gabon: Sylvia Bongo Charged with Money Laundering
The troubles continue for the Bongo family. Sylvia Bongo, the wife of the ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo, was charged with “money laundering” on Friday, September 29, 2023.
Sylvia Bongo Ondimba was charged with «money laundering, concealment, forgery, and use of forged documents», as announced by the Gabonese Republic’s prosecutor in a statement.
The former First Lady appeared before an investigating judge on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
«After the events that occurred following the general elections on August 26, 2023, several compatriots were arrested and charged with both criminal and delinquent offenses, leading to the preventive detention of some. In this context, Mrs. Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentine appeared before the investigating judge on Thursday, September 28, 2023, who charged her with money laundering, concealment, forgery, and use of forged documents, offenses provided for and punishable by articles 116, 117, 312, and 380 of the Penal Code. Before placing her under house arrest, it is worth noting that investigations are ongoing, and other arrests and charges are being considered», stated the Republic’s prosecutor.
It should be noted that since the fall of Ali Bongo, his son Noureddin Bongo Valentin has been charged and incarcerated.
The Gabonese justice system accuses him of «corruption» and «embezzlement of public funds».
Several other dignitaries from the former regime and members of the presidential cabinet have also been arrested.
In France, Parisian officials are advocating for the «ill-gotten gains» of the Bongo family to be converted into social housing.
The fallen family possesses around thirty luxury properties in France.
Iann OBIANG
