Wife of Guinea-Bissau’s Ousted President Arrested in Portugal Over Cash Smuggling Probe
Portuguese authorities have arrested and charged the wife of Guinea-Bissau’s ousted president in connection with a major money laundering and cash smuggling investigation.
Judicial police in Portugal confirmed that Dinisia Reis Embalo, wife of former president Umaro Sissoco Embalo, was charged after arriving in Lisbon on a flight from Guinea-Bissau. She was travelling on the same plane as another passenger who was found with a large amount of cash.
According to the police, the other passenger was arrested on Sunday after an anonymous tip-off. Officers discovered nearly five million euros, about 5.9 million US dollars, in cash in his possession. Authorities suspect the money was being smuggled and may be linked to money laundering activities.
Police said the charge against Dinisia Reis Embalo is connected to the same investigation, but did not provide further details on her alleged role. A judicial police spokesperson confirmed that the case is ongoing.
The flight carrying both individuals was initially listed as a military flight and was expected to continue to the southern Portuguese city of Beja. However, police later discovered that the nature and destination of the flight had changed, raising suspicion.
Portuguese media reports say the man found with the cash is believed to be a close associate of the former Guinea-Bissau president. Public broadcaster RTP identified him as Tito Gomes Fernandes, a businessman said to be linked to the former administration.
Umaro Sissoco Embalo was removed from power in a military coup on November 26, forcing him to flee the country. Since then, Guinea-Bissau has faced political uncertainty, with regional and international bodies calling for a return to democratic rule.
Portugal’s Foreign Minister, Paulo Rangel, said on Tuesday that he is in contact with authorities in Guinea-Bissau. He noted that discussions are ongoing to support efforts toward a return to constitutional order in the country.
The arrests have drawn attention to concerns about corruption, illicit financial flows, and the movement of large sums of cash linked to political instability in West Africa.
Portuguese authorities say investigations will continue, and more information will be released as the case develops.
