Angola Expels 16 Lebanese over Terrorism, Money Laundering

Angola has expelled 140 foreign nationals, including 16 Lebanese, on suspicions of terrorism and money laundering, a government official told Agence France Presse

"These foreigners were expelled from Angola because of their illegal status and for money laundering and for terrorism," said Fretas Neto, who heads Angola's foreign migration office (SME).

The action was taken, he explained, "to safeguard the national interest and guarantee the internal security of the Angolan state."

Police also probed four other Lebanese nationals and plans to expel them shortly, Neto said.

"They will be banned from the country for a period of more than 20 years," he added.

Since a protracted civil war ended in 2002, Angola has attracted a substantial number of foreigners looking to capitalize on an economic boom fuelled by the flourishing oil industry and the diamond trade.

There are several Lebanese-owned businesses in the capital Luanda, mainly in the import-export sector.