46. Sonangol Embezzlement
Year: 2020 (Ongoing)
Approx. Amount: $1 billion*
Company / Person Involved: Isabel dos Santos
Isabel dos Santos was the richest woman in Africa, but that status was called into question when she was accused of fraud. Angolan prosecutors have accused Dos Santos, the chairwoman of Sonangol, a state oil firm, of money laundering and embezzlement. The billionaire lives in the U.K., and she was considering a run for Angola’s presidency, though those dreams are likely over now.
Sonangol Embezzelment @Ptrbal / Pinterest.com
The case is still ongoing, and prosecutors are looking to get back $1 billion that Dos Santos allegedly owes the Angolan government due to her embezzlement and mismanagement of funds. Another suspect in the white-collar case, the manager of Sonangol’s bank accounts, was recently found dead at his home in Lisbon, though there is no suggestion that foul play was involved.