Chinese Nationals Arrested with Gold Bars and $800,000 Cash in DR Congo
Three Chinese men were caught with 12 gold bars and $800,000 (about £650,000) in cash in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), according to local officials.
Jean Jacques Purusi, the governor of South Kivu province, explained that the gold and cash were hidden under the car seats. The arrest operation was kept secret because, not long ago, another group of Chinese nationals, accused of illegal gold mining, was released unexpectedly. BBC reported that this recent release shocked local authorities.
Eastern DR Congo is rich in valuable minerals like gold, diamonds, and the special materials used in batteries for phones and electric cars. Sadly, this wealth has attracted foreign exploitation since the colonial period, which has caused instability in the region for over 30 years.
According to BBC, many of the mines are controlled by armed groups, who get rich by selling minerals to dealers. These dealers sometimes have close connections with powerful people in the capital, Kinshasa. That’s why, as Governor Purusi explained, the latest arrests had to be done quietly.
The governor also said the arrest was based on a tip-off, and after a thorough search of the vehicle near the Rwanda border, the gold and money were found. However, he didn’t mention the exact amount of gold seized. BBC added that last month, Purusi was upset when 17 other Chinese nationals accused of illegal mining were freed and allowed to return to China. Purusi revealed that those miners owed $10 million in taxes and fines, which undermines efforts to clean up the shady mining industry in DR Congo.
The Chinese embassy hasn’t responded to these accusations. Meanwhile, tension continues in the nearby North Kivu province, where a Rwanda-backed rebel group has captured large areas. As BBC noted, DR Congo recently filed a lawsuit against Apple over its use of so-called “blood minerals” — valuable resources taken from conflict zones. Apple responded by saying it had stopped sourcing materials from DR Congo and neighboring Rwanda. However, Rwanda denied any involvement in the illegal mineral trade.
Lawyers representing DR Congo in this lawsuit claim that minerals taken from war-torn regions are being “laundered” into international supply chains. BBC explained that the government believes these illegal activities are fueling violence, funding armed groups, and causing severe problems like forced child labor and environmental destruction.
In simple terms, this story highlights how DR Congo’s rich mineral resources, instead of benefiting the country, are being exploited by foreign groups and militias, causing endless conflict.
BBC continues to follow this story closely.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx9w4j5q92o