The Portuguese state has secured nearly €11 million following the auction of a luxury villa seized from former Congolese minister Gilbert Ondongo. The high end property, located in Quinta da Marinha in Cascais, was sold for €10,953,499.55 after competitive bidding.
The sale was conducted the Asset Administration Secretariat of the Ministry of Justice as part of procedures linked to assets seized under criminal investigations. The property had been confiscated more than a decade ago during Operation Atlantic Route, an investigation into alleged corruption, money laundering and tax related offences connected to public contracts in Congo.
The auction began with a starting price above €8 million and concluded within 10 minutes, reflecting strong interest in one of Portugal’s most exclusive residential areas. Quinta da Marinha is known for its gated estates, golf courses and proximity to the Atlantic coastline, making it one of the most sought after luxury destinations in the Lisbon district.
According to official details, the estate covers a total area of 4,480 square metres, including private grounds, with a built area of 576 square metres distributed across three floors. The villa features seven bedrooms and a range of premium amenities designed for high end living.
Among the facilities included in the sale were an outdoor swimming pool, fully equipped gym, sauna, Turkish bath, cinema room with 11 seats, games room and a grand piano. All interior and exterior furnishings were part of the transaction, adding further value to the final bid price.
Authorities confirmed that the buyer now has 15 days to complete payment of the purchase price along with the applicable taxes and acquisition costs. Once the transaction is finalised, the proceeds will revert to the Portuguese state.
The case highlights Portugal’s asset recovery framework, which allows properties linked to alleged financial crimes to be seized and later auctioned following legal procedures. Funds raised through such sales are typically channelled into the public treasury, reinforcing mechanisms aimed at combating financial misconduct.
Cascais continues to attract both domestic and international buyers seeking premium real estate, with Quinta da Marinha remaining a benchmark location for luxury property transactions. The swift conclusion of the auction underscores ongoing demand in Portugal’s high end housing market despite broader economic fluctuations.
The €11 million sale represents one of the most significant recent property auctions involving seized assets in Portugal, combining judicial enforcement with real estate market dynamics in one of the country’s most prestigious coastal areas.
