A judicial investigation is underway in France.
Several seizures have been made:
Real estate seized in 2018,
Luxury vehicles seized in 2018,
Sums held in bank accounts in France seized in 2019
[Source: France, October 2024]
In November 2010, the French Supreme Court held that the complaint filed by Transparency International France and SHERPA against Mr. Sassou Nguesso may proceed. The 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. Sassou Nguesso and his relatives, the complaint alleged that they had acquired real estate, including 18 properties, one hundred and twelve bank accounts and fleet of automobiles including at least one vehicle estimated to be worth EUR 172,321. (Source: Transparency International Press Release, "'Biens Mal Acquis' Case: French Supreme Court Overrules Court of Appeal's Decision, The complaint by Transparence International France is ruled admissible," November 9, 2010.)
In November 2010, the French Supreme Court held that the complaint ("Biens Mal Acquis"/Improperly Acquired Property) filed by Transparency International France and SHERPA against Mr. Sassou Nguesso may proceed. (Sources: Supreme Court of France, Case No. 6092, decision of November 9, 2010, L'association Transparence International France, partie civile, reversing High Court of Paris, section 2, judgment of October 29, 2009; Transparency International Press Release, "'Biens Mal Acquis' Case: French Supreme Court Overrules Court of Appeal's Decision, The complaint by Transparence International France is ruled admissible," November 9, 2010.)
The court involved was the Cour de Cassation, Chambre Criminelle (Supreme Court).
Transparency International stated that this is the first time French courts allowed such a complaint by nongovernmental organizations to proceed. (Source: Transparency International Press Release, "'Biens Mal Acquis' Case: French Supreme Court Overrules Court of Appeal's Decision: The complaint filed by Transparency International France is ruled admissible," November 9, 2010.)
Assets Frozen/Seized
Document Title | Size and Format | Document Type | |
---|---|---|---|
Link | International/multilateral organization report | Go to site | |
Link | Media article | Go to site | |
Sassou Nguesso France Mediapart October 11 2013 | 467.26 KB pdf | Media article | Download |