A judicial investigation is underway in France. [Source: France, October 2024]
Three non-governmental organizations had filed their "Biens Mal Acquis" (Improperly acquired property) complaint against Omar Bongo, Denis Sassou Nguesso and Teodoro Obiang and their relatives. With regard to Mr. Bongo and his relatives, the complaint alleged that they had acquired real estate, including thirty-nine properties, seventeen of which are registered in his name. According to Transparency International, most of the properties are located in Paris' upscale 16th district; seventy identified bank accounts, eleven of which are registered in name of Omar Bongo, and a fleet of automobiles comprising at least nine vehicles for a total estimated value of EUR 1,493,443.
According to the August 18, 2015 message by President Bongo, on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the independence of Gabon, he had decided to offer the Gabonese people all income from part of his inheritance to assist in the education and training of the Gabonese youth, the residence of Omar Bongo Ondimba in the capital will be sold to the state to build a university and two Paris properties will be sold to the state and earmarked for the promotion of culture and diplomatic influences of the country.
[Source: StAR desk research/public source of information]
In November 2010, the French Supreme Court held that the criminal complaint filed earlier by Transparency International and other non-governmental organizations against Mr. Bongo may proceed.
[Source: StAR desk research/public source of information]
The prosecuting authority/civil attorney(s) was was thePublic Prosecutor.
The court involved was the Supreme Court, High Court (Paris).
[Source: StAR desk research/public source information]
The asset freezing/seizure order were under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Tribunal of Paris (2018 and 2019)
[Source: Reported by country]
The asset amount at the time of freeze/seizure was €1,461,132 (in addition to 19 real estate properties non estimated).
At time of reporting (2020), the assets were still frozen/seized.
Assets Frozen/Seized
| Document Title | Size and Format | Document Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Link | NGO/CSO report | Go to site | |
| Bongo Statement Aug 2015 | 147.21 KB pdf | Government report / press release | Download |