ANGOLA’S Ministry of Finance has formally demanded that Exalgina Gambôa, the disgraced former president of the Court of Auditors, return a luxury Jaguar vehicle and an official residence following her forced resignation amid corruption charges that have rocked the nation’s judicial system.
In a February 6, 2024, document obtained by Lusa news agency, Finance Ministry office director Polonga Fernandes ordered Exalgina Gambôa to surrender the high-end perks – including accommodation at the exclusive Privilege Residence Condominium – that came with her former position as the country’s top auditing official.
The dramatic fall from grace began when President João Lourenço personally demanded Gambôa’s resignation on February 21, 2023, citing multiple “occurrences” involving the once-powerful judicial figure. She stepped down the following March as criminal charges mounted against her.
Mother and Son Face Corruption Trial
Gambôa now stands accused alongside her son, Hailé da Cruz, on charges of extortion and corruption in a case that has exposed alleged massive misuse of public funds. The investigation was launched “in reaction to public information and complaints,” according to court documents seen by Lusa.
The corruption allegations first came to light through reporting by Maka Angola, the investigative website run by prominent activist and journalist Rafael Marques de Morais. Morais revealed that Gambôa’s expenses, funded by public treasury through the Court of Auditors’ private accounts, reached approximately $4 million (€3.7 million) – money allegedly used to furnish her official residence with luxury items purchased from two companies.
Superior Council Rejects Retirement Plea
The Finance Ministry’s demand for asset return comes after Angola’s Superior Council of the Judiciary rejected Gambôa’s request for early retirement, effectively blocking her attempt to exit gracefully from the scandal.
“Taking into account the resignation from the position, and considering that the cessation did not result from retirement, it becomes imperative to proceed with the return of movable and immovable property,” the ministry’s letter states.
The document concludes by requesting that Gambôa indicate “the dates and places that are most convenient” for returning the assets, suggesting authorities are prepared to pursue recovery of the luxury items regardless of her cooperation.
The case represents one of the most high-profile corruption scandals to emerge from President Lourenço’s anti-corruption campaign, demonstrating that even top judicial officials are not immune from prosecution when allegations of financial misconduct surface.
