Portuguese prosecutors have charged Angolan Vice President Manuel Vicente with corruption, money laundering, and forgery. This case, known as Operation Fizz, involves accusations that Vicente bribed a Portuguese magistrate to favor him in two investigations. At the time of these alleged crimes, Vicente was the head of the Angolan state oil company, Sonangol.
Uncovering the Allegations Against Manuel Vicente
Manuel Vicente’s lawyer, his representative in Portugal, and the magistrate are also accused in this case. According to the attorney general’s office in Portugal, Vicente will be informed of the charges through Angolan authorities. Vicente’s current whereabouts are unknown.
In a statement, Vicente’s lawyer expressed shock at the charges, stating that neither he nor Vicente were aware of them. The lawyer emphasized that Manuel Vicente had not been questioned about the allegations, which he argued invalidates the legal process. Despite these objections, the charges stand, and the investigation continues.
The Alleged Bribery
Investigators claim that Manuel Vicente paid Portuguese magistrate Orlando Figueira approximately 760,000 euros to drop two investigations involving alleged money laundering and Angolan investments in Portugal. Figueira, who was arrested a year ago, had about 512,000 euros seized from his bank accounts in Andorra by authorities.
These allegations have brought significant attention to the relationship between Angola and Portugal, particularly concerning financial dealings. Angola, rich in oil and diamonds, has a history of accusations of corruption among its leadership. Many international human rights groups have criticized the Angolan government for siphoning off the country’s wealth while most of its population lives in poverty.
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Angola’s Investments in Portugal
In recent years, Angola’s political and financial elite have invested hundreds of millions of euros in Portugal, their former colonial ruler. These investments have primarily been in real estate and purchasing Portuguese companies. The financial ties between the two countries are extensive, and the allegations against Manuel Vicente highlight the complexities of these relationships.
The Angolan leadership’s investments in Portugal have raised questions about the origins of the money and the potential for corruption. While these investments have boosted Portugal’s economy, they have also drawn scrutiny from investigators and human rights groups.
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The scandal involving Vicente is part of a broader pattern of allegations against Angola’s elite. Accusations of corruption have long plagued the country’s leadership, and this case adds to the growing list of concerns. The outcome of Operation Fizz will likely have significant implications for both Angola and Portugal.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these charges will impact Vicente and the other accused individuals. The case underscores the ongoing issues of corruption and financial misconduct that continue to affect Angola and its international relations.
