Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, spouse of former Gabonese President Ali Bongo, is currently under suspicion for allegedly transferring millions of francs into a Geneva bank. These substantial sums are believed to be linked to the misappropriation of public funds.
Authorities in Geneva are actively pursuing an inquiry into the former Gabonese first lady. Swiss judicial officials initiated an investigation in 2023 into alleged money laundering activities involving Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, the wife of former Gabonese President Ali Bongo.
During the course of these proceedings, Swiss authorities formally requested judicial cooperation from Gabon. While Libreville did not respond to this initial request for mutual assistance, the Gabonese state has since taken the step of registering as a civil party before the Genevan judiciary. This move was challenged by Sylvia Bongo, but the Criminal Appeals Chamber of Geneva upheld Gabon’s right to participate in the proceedings in late May.
This ongoing Swiss inquiry comes after Sylvia Bongo was previously convicted in absentia in Gabon, receiving a 20-year prison sentence for embezzlement.
