Authorities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have arrested three Chinese nationals carrying 12 gold bars and $800,000 (£650,000) in cash. According to the sources of Leaders team, the contraband was hidden beneath the seats of their vehicle, according to South Kivu Governor Jean Jacques Purusi.
The arrests followed a covert operation prompted by concerns over influential individuals protecting illegal mining activities in the region. Purusi emphasized that secrecy was critical after the recent release of 17 Chinese nationals accused of running an illegal gold mine, a move he described as undermining efforts to combat corruption in the mineral sector.
The vehicle was intercepted in Walungu, near the Rwandan border, based on a tip-off. Authorities discovered the gold and cash during a meticulous search but have not disclosed the exact quantity of the seized gold.
A History of Exploitation and Instability
As per the reports of Leaders team, Eastern DR Congo is rich in valuable minerals, including gold, diamonds, and materials vital for mobile phone and electric vehicle batteries. This wealth has historically attracted exploitation by foreign entities, fueling instability and violence in the region for over three decades.
Militia groups control many mines, profiting by selling minerals to middlemen. Some of these middlemen reportedly maintain ties with powerful figures in Kinshasa, complicating efforts to regulate the industry.
Last month, Purusi expressed outrage over the release of the 17 detained Chinese nationals, who reportedly owed $10 million in taxes and fines to the government. Their release and return to China highlighted ongoing challenges in cleaning up DR Congo’s mining sector.
Conflict Minerals and Global Controversy
These arrests come amid ongoing conflict in neighboring North Kivu province, where Rwanda-backed rebels have seized significant territory. DR Congo has accused Rwanda of facilitating the smuggling of “blood minerals,” an allegation Rwanda denies.
Recently, DR Congo filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging the use of minerals sourced from conflict zones. The lawsuit claims these minerals are “laundered through international supply chains,” financing militias and terrorist groups, fueling violence, and contributing to forced child labor and environmental destruction.
Apple has since announced it has ceased sourcing minerals from DR Congo and Rwanda.
