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Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, the spouse of former Gabonese President Ali Bongo, faces scrutiny in Geneva regarding suspicions of transferring millions into a local bank account, allegedly stemming from the embezzlement of public funds.
Authorities in Geneva are actively pursuing an inquiry into the financial activities of the former Gabonese first lady. The Swiss judicial system initiated this investigation in 2023, targeting Sylvia Bongo Ondimba for alleged money laundering.
The Geneva Public Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed an ongoing probe into money laundering allegations.
In connection with these proceedings, Swiss officials sought judicial assistance from Gabon. While Libreville did not respond to this mutual legal assistance request, the Gabonese state subsequently registered itself as a civil complainant within the Geneva legal framework. Sylvia Bongo challenged this move, but the Geneva Criminal Appeals Chamber affirmed Gabon’s right to participate in the legal process at the end of May.
This current Swiss inquiry comes as Sylvia Bongo has already received a 20-year prison sentence in absentia in Gabon for charges related to fund embezzlement.
