Walter Finch
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.
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.
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.
