UK sanctions son of Equatorial Guinea’s president over corruption ‘to fund a lavish lifestyle’

The United Kingdom on Thursday sanctioned the son of Equatorial Guinea’s president over alleged corruption used to fund what it called “a lavish lifestyle.”

The U.K.’s foreign ministry announced sanctions on Teodoro Obiang Mangue, who is also the vice president of the nation, over his reported involvement in misappropriating state funds, corrupt contracting and bribery.

Obiang is accused of spending more than $500 million since he was appointed a government minister in 1998, the ministry said.

Among his lavish purchases was a “collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia,” including a $275,000 crystal-covered glove that Jackson wore on his “Bad” tour, the ministry said.

Obiang also purchased a $100 million mansion in Paris, as well as other mansions around the world. He also purchased a $38 million private jet, a luxury yacht and dozens of luxury vehicles — including Ferraris, Bentleys and Aston Martins.

The U.K.’s foreign ministry said Obiang funded “a lavish lifestyle inconsistent with his official salary as a government minister.”

Obiang’s father, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has led Equatorial Guinea since he took power via a coup in 1979.

This isn’t the first time global authorities have targeted the younger Obiang. CNN noted that he’d been the subject of investigations in France, Switzerland and Brazil over his wealth.

Obiang was one of five people that the U.K. sanctioned Thursday over being involved in serious alleged corruption. The nation also sanctioned officials from Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Iraq.

Under the sanctions, Great Britain will impose asset freezes and travel bans to ensure the individuals cannot enter the country.