Three Chinese Nationals Arrested with Gold Bars and $800,000 in Eastern DR Congo.
DR Congo:
Three Chinese nationals were arrested in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after authorities discovered 12 gold bars and $800,000 hidden under the seats of their vehicle. The arrest took place in South Kivu province, close to the Rwanda border, following a tip-off, according to Jean Jacques Purusi, the governor of the province. The operation had been kept secret due to concerns about potential connections between some local dealers in precious metals and influential figures in the capital, Kinshasa.
The seizure of the gold and cash highlights ongoing issues with illegal mining and the exploitation of the region’s rich mineral resources, including gold and minerals used in mobile phone and electric vehicle batteries. Eastern DRC has been plagued by instability for decades, largely due to militia groups controlling mines and profiting from the sale of these minerals to intermediaries.
Purusi expressed his shock over the recent release of 17 Chinese nationals, who were arrested for running an illegal gold mine in the region. Despite owing $10 million in taxes and fines, these individuals were allowed to return to China, undermining efforts to reform DRC’s mineral sector.
The arrests occur amid heightened tensions in the North Kivu province, where Rwanda-backed rebels continue to seize territory. In a related development, DRC is suing Apple over the use of “blood minerals,” accusing the tech giant of benefiting from conflict minerals. Rwanda denies facilitating the illegal export of minerals from DRC.
The Chinese embassy has yet to comment on the recent arrest.
