Conviction of Ruslan Obiang Nsue, son of Equatorial Guinea’s President

Ruslan Obiang Nsue, a son of Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has been convicted in Malabo for the illegal sale of an aircraft belonging to the state-owned airline, Ceiba Intercontinental. The case began after the ATR 72-500 aircraft disappeared while undergoing maintenance in Spain. An investigation was launched in late 2022, leading to Ruslan’s arrest and subsequent house arrest in January 2023, ordered by his half-brother and the country’s vice president, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

During the trial, prosecutors sought an 18-year prison term and a fine of 500 million CFA francs (approximately $850,000). Ruslan, who served as a former deputy director of the airline, admitted to signing a contract to sell the plane to Spain’s Binter Technic for €250,000. He claimed, however, that he only received €125,000, which he then transferred to his personal bank account in Spain.

A court in Equatorial Guinea has now ruled on the case. Ruslan Obiang Nsue was found guilty and sentenced to a six-year prison term. However, the court provided him with an alternative to jail time: he can avoid the prison sentence if he compensates the state for the missing aircraft by paying approximately $255,000, in addition to other damages and a fine. The court acquitted him on separate charges of embezzlement and abuse of office.

The conviction marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention to the ruling family of the oil-rich central African nation.

Source: African Publicity