The video went viral not only in Gabon but throughout the rest of the world in the hours following the announcement of the August 30th coup.
The most contentious footage showed a hefty cash haul that was purportedly found at a politician’s house who was being held.
One of the seven politicians jailed by the junta on suspicions of treason, money laundering, corruption, and other offences has been linked by various reports to the plunder.
Others have even hinted that the money was discovered in president Ali Bongo’s residence, which analysts say is unlikely.
The ownership of the funds cannot be independently verified by Advert Africa, especially because neither the junta nor the media have made any mention of it.
About a dozen large travel luggage are shown being thrown open in the 23-second clip, and each one is stuffed to the gills with wads of cash.
According to what this reporter observed, the bundles were probably sent from the central bank or a holding location because they are mainly undamaged and still in their polythene wrapper.
One employee is dressed simply while another is seen scrutinizing the money while both are wearing security agency uniforms.
The video also shows armed security personnel.
According to some experts, in circumstances like these, large quantities might be planted at the residences of politicians as a way to blame them for false accusations made by rivals who may hold positions of power.
