African dictator’s son lives like James Bond while his people starve
An African dictator’s son accused of plundering $116 million from his country to buy fast cars and palatial homes has boasted about his playboy lifestyle on Instagram.
Teodorin Obiang, 47, is charged with blowing millions in state funds so he could live like James Bond while his citizens in Equatorial Guinea starve.
Obiang’s social media accounts give an insight into his champagne-fueled world as he is seen posing in private jets, on speed boats, driving a Batmobile, and piloting a submarine.
Obiang, who was made vice president of the impoverished African country by his father, is also pictured partying with half-naked women and posing with lions.
He posts under the name Teddy Nguema and regularly shares shots of himself driving multi-million pound Ferraris and $54,000 motorcycles that looks just like the ones in the movie “Tron.”
The playboy’s house on Paris’ exclusive Avenue Foch, which boasts a movie theater, spa, hair salon and faucets covered in gold leaf, is estimated to be worth around $112 million.
He stands accused of siphoning off at least $116 million from the state to buy this mansion as well as a collection of Italian supercars.
A French court agreed on Wednesday to adjourn the corruption trial at the request of his defense team.
The trial is the first arising out of an unprecedented investigation into the French assets of a trio of African leaders accused of leading a life of luxury abroad while their citizens live in poverty.
Obiang’s defense team had argued that the hearings for the trial, initially scheduled for the next few weeks, gave them too little time to call witnesses and prepare their defense.
The son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema has attempted to prevent the case coming to court and claims he is innocent.
He says the money came from legitimate sources, not bribes or embezzlement as suspected by prosecutors.
The prosecution and anti-corruption group Transparency International, one of the plaintiffs in the case, called the defense’s request for an adjournment a “delaying” tactic.
US officials have already forced Obiang to forfeit property after accusing him of “shamelessly” looting his country.
In a settlement, Obiang agreed to hand over more than $30 million worth of properties, including a vast villa in Malibu, California, and a dozen luxury cars.
He has managed to keep hold of his $38 million private jet and collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia, which includes a crystal-studded glove.
Dutch, Swiss, and French authorities have seized property including Obiang’s 250-foot yacht, the Ebony Shine, and his Paris mansion.
The trial is expected to resume on June 19.
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