UK sanctioned purchaser of Michael Jackson's

The UK authorities announced the imposition of sanctions against five people involved in corruption in Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Iraq. The sanctions list, in particular, included the vice-president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the son of the current president of the country, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has been ruling the African state since 1979.

The British Foreign Office said in a statement that Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mange was involved in misappropriation of public funds, corrupt deals and extortion of bribes "to finance a luxurious lifestyle incompatible with his official salary." The amount of money spent by the vice president of Equatorial Guinea is estimated by the Foreign Office at $500 million, the money was spent on a mansion in Paris ($100 million), a private jet ($38 million), dozens of luxury cars and other things, among which was Michael's rhinestone-trimmed glove. Jackson ($275 thousand), which the singer wore during the Bad tour.

The sanctions also hit two Colombians who, according to the British Foreign Office, profited by inflating the prices of food and other goods supplied to Venezuela as part of government programs to help the poor. The actions of Alex Nain Saab Moran and Alvaro Enrique Pulido Vargas "brought new suffering to Venezuelans already living in poverty," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The sanctions list also included the former governor of one of the provinces of Iraq, Nawfal Hammadi al-Sultan (now in an Iraqi prison for major embezzlement and other corruption crimes) and the Zimbabwean businessman Kudakawashe Regimond Tagwirei, accused of misappropriation of public funds.

“The actions we have taken today are aimed at people who line their pockets at the expense of their fellow citizens. The UK is committed to fighting corruption and holding those responsible for its destructive impact accountable,” said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.