Mann was infamous for his role in a failed coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea and his subsequent legal battles.
Simon Mann, Former Mercenary and Coup Plotter, Dies at 72
Simon Mann, Former Mercenary and Coup Plotter, Dies at 72
Former British Army officer Simon Mann passed away during exercise, leaving a controversial legacy.
Simon Mann, the former British Army officer known for his involvement in the 2004 coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea, has died from a heart attack while exercising at the age of 72. Friends confirmed the news, marking the end of a tumultuous life that included military service, mercenary work, and a notorious attempt to overthrow the government of the West African nation.
Mann had garnered millions of pounds by offering protection services in various conflict zones around the world. However, his fortunes took a sharp downturn when he became embroiled in a failed coup against President Teodoro Obiang. After being arrested in Zimbabwe while allegedly trying to load weapons onto a plane, he faced serious legal repercussions and was sentenced to a hefty 34-year prison term due to arms charges.
Reflecting on his role in the coup, Mann later clarified that he considered himself more of a "manager" than the mastermind behind the operation. His time in captivity was marked by significant struggles; however, he was pardoned in 2009 after serving only three years of his lengthy sentence and subsequently escorted out of the country within 48 hours.
His military backdrop is noteworthy, having attended Eton and then the prestigious Sandhurst Royal Military Academy before joining the Scots Guards. Mann eventually became a member of the highly regarded Special Air Service (SAS) and achieved the rank of commander.
In a conversation in 2011, Mann asserted that the CIA had played a role in foiling the coup. He recalled the nerve-wracking moment when he was transferred to the notorious Black Beach Prison in Equatorial Guinea, stating that those close to him warned of deadly repercussions should that happen. Following his release, he expressed regret about the coup attempt, acknowledging the conflict between financial incentive and moral integrity, declaring that "however good the money is," moral considerations must hold significant weight.
