Equatorial Guinea Vice President Teodorin Nguema Obiang was detained at São Paulo's Viracopos airport in Brazil with $16 million in cash and luxury watches valued at $15 million, according to Brazilian federal police. The 49-year-old, son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, arrived on a private jet as part of an 11-person delegation but was the only member without official diplomatic status.
Authorities discovered $1.5 million in cash in one suitcase and high-value timepieces in another, exceeding Brazil's 10,000 reais ($1,800) cash import limit. The watches, engraved with Obiang's initials, were reportedly intended for personal use. Brazilian officials confirmed ongoing coordination with police and customs authorities to determine next steps.
Obiang, previously convicted in France in 2017 for money laundering, has faced repeated allegations of exploiting public funds for a lavish lifestyle. His father, who has governed Equatorial Guinea since 1979, is infamous for brutal political tactics, including reports of consuming opponents' organs as a form of retribution.
The VP's 2015 visit to Brazil included attendance at Rio de Janeiro's Carnival, where an Equatorial Guinea-themed samba school parade drew criticism over suspected regime funding. Earlier in 2018, he sparked controversy by allegedly transporting socialite Verah Sidika to the Maldives for a private encounter.
