The weight of the gold bars that were seized has not been disclosed, as depicted in a file photo [Reuters].
Officials have announced the arrest of three Chinese nationals in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The individuals were found in possession of 12 gold bars and a significant sum of $800,000 (£650,000) in cash.
According to Jean Jacques Purusi, the governor of South Kivu province, the gold and money were concealed beneath the seats of the vehicle they were traveling in.
The operation to apprehend the men was kept confidential following the recent release of a different group of Chinese nationals who were accused of operating an illegal gold mine in the region.
Eastern DR Congo is rich in reserves of gold, diamonds, and the minerals required for manufacturing batteries used in mobile phones and electric vehicles.
Foreign groups have been exploiting the mineral wealth of the region since the colonial era, which has contributed significantly to the ongoing instability experienced in the area over the past three decades.
Militia groups in eastern DR Congo have gained control over a significant number of mines, enabling their leaders to amass wealth through the sale of mineral resources to middlemen.
According to Purusi, certain precious metals dealers in Kinshasa have established favorable connections with influential individuals in the capital. This explains the need for discretion during the recent arrest operation.
Acting on a tip-off, they discovered the gold and money after conducting a thorough search of the vehicle in the Walungu area, which is located near the border with Rwanda.
The exact amount of gold seized was not disclosed by him.
In a surprising turn of events, the governor expressed his shock to the media upon learning that 17 Chinese nationals, who had been apprehended for their involvement in an illegal gold mine, were released and permitted to return to China.
Efforts to clean up DR Congo’s notoriously murky mineral sector are being undermined, according to him.
According to him, they had a debt of $10 million in taxes and fines owed to the government, as reported by Reuters.
The Chinese embassy has not provided any response or comment regarding the allegations.
As fighting escalates in the nearby North Kivu province, a rebel group supported by Rwanda has seized significant portions of land. These arrests coincide with the ongoing conflict.
In a recent development, DR Congo filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of utilizing “blood minerals.” In response, Apple stated that it has ceased sourcing minerals from both DR Congo and its neighboring country, Rwanda.
Rwanda denies being a channel for the export of illegal minerals from DR Congo.
Lawyers representing the Congolese government have filed a lawsuit, claiming that the minerals extracted from conflict areas were subsequently laundered through international supply chains.
“They said that these activities have fueled a cycle of violence and conflict by financing militias and terrorist groups. Additionally, they mentioned that these activities have also contributed to forced child labor and environmental devastation.”