10 Aug, 2024 @ 09:15
1 min read

‘Corrupt’ lawyer from Spain arrested for bribing officials in impoverished former Spanish colony in Africa

A SPANISH lawyer has been arrested on suspicion of bribing high-ranking officials in Equatorial Guinea to secure a lucrative contract for a fish processing plant.

The Policia Nacional seized millions of euros in assets in a coordinated international operation, including properties and financial assets, linked to the alleged bribery scheme. 

Two searches were conducted in Gijon, during which €30,000 in cash was seized, five properties valued at over four and a half million euros were confiscated, and 21 financial assets worth more than two million euros were frozen.

The investigation revealed that the lawyer’s company, which had minimal business activity before securing the contract, received substantial payments from Equatorial Guinea totalling €4.3 million.

READ MORE: Spain’s Sevilla takes ‘unprecedented’ measures to battle West Nile virus amid fears of a new epidemic

Authorities believe the payments were made in exchange for the contract to develop a fish processing plant in the African nation. 

The case has now been referred to the National High Court, Spain’s highest criminal court.

Oil-rich Equatorial Guinea has been ruled by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo since 1979, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world.

Under his rule, the country is deemed to be the eighth most corrupt country in the world (172 out of 180) in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.

Once a Spanish colony, many members of the ruling elite in Equatorial Guinea speak Spanish as their first language and have cultural ties to Spain.

READ MORE: Don’t tell the far-right: Foreign-born workers have taken nearly half of all new jobs created in Spain this year – most of which have come in the tourism sector

Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue

The president’s son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue – often referred to as Teodorín – has become a symbol of the corruption and kleptocracy that many critics associate with the Obiang regime.

Teodorín is infamous for his extravagant lifestyle, which includes owning luxury properties, cars, and yachts across the globe.

Several of his high-value properties are in Spain, particularly in Madrid and other prime locations.

Spanish authorities have been involved in international efforts to investigate Teodorín’s wealth, particularly in relation to allegations of money laundering and corruption. 

However, until now he has always managed to wriggle out of being brought to justice.

Walter Finch

Walter Finch, who comes from a background in video and photography, is keen on reporting on and investigating organised crime, corruption and abuse of power. He is fascinated by the nexus between politics, business and law-breaking, as well as other wider trends that affect society.
Born in London but having lived in six countries, he is well-travelled and worldly. He studied Philosophy at the University of Birmingham and earned his diploma in journalism from London's renowned News Associates during the Covid era.
He got his first break in the business working on the Foreign News desk of the Daily Mail's online arm, where he also helped out on the video desk.
He then decided to escape the confines of London and returned to Spain in 2022, having previously lived in Barcelona for many years.
He took up up a reporter role with the Olive Press Newspaper and today he is based in La Linea de la Concepcion at the heart of a global chokepoint and crucial maritime hub, where he edits the Olive Press Gibraltar edition.
He is also the deputy news editor across all editions of the newspaper.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Nursing home resident, 87, is robbed of €80,000 life savings by care worker on Spain's Costa Blanca
Previous Story

Nursing home resident, 87, is robbed of €80,000 life savings by care worker on Spain’s Costa Blanca

Next Story

Brand building and why it’s important to the success of your startup

Latest from Crime & Law

Go toTop

More From The Olive Press

5 bedroom Finca/Country House for sale in Montefrio with pool - € 260

5 bedroom Finca/Country House for sale in Montefrio with pool – € 260,000

Key Features – mains electricity and water – pool –

WIE FEIERT PALMA, SPANIEN, DEN FESTTAG DES HEILIGEN SAN SEBASTIÁN AN DIESEM WOCHENENDE?

von Yzabelle Bostyn Palma wird an diesem Wochenende die Festlichkeiten