Three Chinese nationals were detained in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with 12 gold bars and $800,000 in cash hidden beneath their car seats, according to South Kivu provincial governor Jean Jacques Purusi. This clandestine effort was essential after the recent release of several Chinese nationals suspected of running an illicit gold mine in the region.
Foreign corporations have long exploited the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is rich in gold, diamonds, and minerals used in mobile phones and electric cars. This exploitation has contributed to the region's instability over the previous three decades. Many mines are under militia control, and commanders benefit by selling the minerals to intermediaries.
Governor Purusi said that certain traffickers had significant ties in Kinshasa, requiring the secrecy surrounding the latest arrests. Following a tip-off, officials uncovered the stashed gold and cash during a thorough vehicle check in the Walungu district near Rwanda's border. However, the actual amount of gold confiscated was not released.
Purusi voiced dismay last month when 17 Chinese nationals convicted of operating an illicit gold mine were freed and returned to China, undercutting attempts to control the DRC's opaque mineral sector. These people allegedly owing the government $10 million in taxes and penalties. The Chinese embassy has not replied to the claims.
The arrests coincide with the continuing war in neighboring North Kivu province, where a Rwanda-backed rebel force has taken control of substantial area. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched a lawsuit against Apple for the usage of "blood minerals," accusing the company of sourcing from war zones in the DRC and Rwanda. Apple has now stopped purchasing from certain nations. Rwanda has denied any participation in the shipment of illicit minerals.
Lawyers representing the Congolese government claim that minerals from war zones are laundered via global supply networks, sustaining bloodshed, funding militias, and creating environmental and social damage.
Foreign corporations have long exploited the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is rich in gold, diamonds, and minerals used in mobile phones and electric cars. This exploitation has contributed to the region's instability over the previous three decades. Many mines are under militia control, and commanders benefit by selling the minerals to intermediaries.
Governor Purusi said that certain traffickers had significant ties in Kinshasa, requiring the secrecy surrounding the latest arrests. Following a tip-off, officials uncovered the stashed gold and cash during a thorough vehicle check in the Walungu district near Rwanda's border. However, the actual amount of gold confiscated was not released.
Purusi voiced dismay last month when 17 Chinese nationals convicted of operating an illicit gold mine were freed and returned to China, undercutting attempts to control the DRC's opaque mineral sector. These people allegedly owing the government $10 million in taxes and penalties. The Chinese embassy has not replied to the claims.
The arrests coincide with the continuing war in neighboring North Kivu province, where a Rwanda-backed rebel force has taken control of substantial area. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched a lawsuit against Apple for the usage of "blood minerals," accusing the company of sourcing from war zones in the DRC and Rwanda. Apple has now stopped purchasing from certain nations. Rwanda has denied any participation in the shipment of illicit minerals.
Lawyers representing the Congolese government claim that minerals from war zones are laundered via global supply networks, sustaining bloodshed, funding militias, and creating environmental and social damage.
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