8 of the richest dictators in history
What happens when you are an autonomous entity who happens
to be in the middle of prime infrastructure and oil deals? What if there were
no checks and balances or a system that ensures public funds land where they
should? What if you were given unlimited political authority with no elected
bodies to report to? This would make you a dictator. You could choose to be a
benevolent dictator or a selfish one. Most dictators, past and present, chose
the latter.
Muammar Gaddafi
When the assets of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and
his kin were frozen in March 2011, some of the numbers that came out were
astonishing. The U.S. had seized $30 billion of the family's investments.
Canada had frozen $2.4 billion, Austria had frozen $1.7 billion and the U.K.
had frozen $1 billion. It was reported that these figures were nowhere close to
the actuals. Over his 42-year reign, Gaddafi was said to have amassed $75 to
$80 billion.
Bashar al-Assad
A former ophthalmologist student, Syrian President Bashar
al-Assad made sure key relatives were put in prime government positions. The
Guardian reports that Assad's realizable assets stand at $1.5 billion. If this
figure includes assets within Syria, which Assad and his family control, the
figure would be much larger at about $122 billion. His wealth is said to come
from land, energy and licenses. Assad is known to hold his cards, money and
positions tightly within his inner circle.
Hosni Mubarak
A military head for over 30 years, former Egyptian President
Hosni Mubarak amassed wealth while his citizens continued to struggle on a
daily basis. The 82-year-old dictator was said to have amassed $70 billion over
30 years, with his sons and family controlling and taking cuts on all projects
that took place in Egypt. The Mubaraks lived life regally, jetting around the
world and living in palaces.
Ali Abdullah Saleh
Former Yemeni
President Ali Abdullah Saleh ruled over the country for 30 years until he
recently ceded power on his own terms. He is said to be worth around $32
billion.
Zine al Abidine Ben Ali
Former Tunisian President Zine al Abidine Ben Ali was
sentenced to 35 years in prison in absentia. Overthrown by the Jasmine
revolution, he lived an excessive life while his countrymen struggled under
human rights atrocities. His wife is said to have made her exit with gold bars
worth $37 million. Ben Ali is said to have a net worth of $7 billion.
Robert Mugabe
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has turned once-rich
Zimbabwe into his personal playground, killing most of his rivals and looting
Zimbabwe for good measure. His net worth stands at $5 to $10 billion thanks to
his country's diamond deposits.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
Equatoguinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has
looted and plundered his oil-rich country, sharing none of the country's wealth
with the citizens. He is said to be worth over $1 billion, while his country's
citizens live on less than $1 per day. Meanwhile, his son continues his legacy
of a lavish lifestyle which includes a $35-million estate in Malibu and three
$1.7-million Bugatti Veyrons.
Ali Bongo Ondimba
Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba is said to have, along
with his associates, pocketed 25% of Gabon's gross domestic product (GDP). He
is said to be worth over $1 billion, though this number seems conservative. In
2010, he is said to have bought a townhouse in Paris for $138 million.
The Bottom Line
Most of these dictators had a share in every pie, spent a
lot of time covering up money trails and amassed fortunes for their family
members. Others brokered deals that would prevent them from ever being
prosecuted. Some of these rulers quietly handed the reins to self-appointed
successors or guerrilla fighters. The net worth of some of these dictators
would easily put royalty to shame.
Image and Article Credit: http://in.finance.yahoo.com/photos
