Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have arrested three Chinese nationals found with 12 gold bars and $800,000 (£650,000) in cash, hidden under the seats of their vehicle in South Kivu province.
Governor Jean Jacques Purusi, who announced the arrests, revealed that the operation was conducted discreetly following the controversial release of 17 other Chinese nationals last month. Those individuals had been accused of operating an illegal gold mine but were freed despite owing $10 million in taxes and fines to the government.
The recent arrests occurred in the Walungu area, near the Rwandan border, after officials acted on a tip-off. Governor Purusi emphasized that secrecy was essential, as certain gold dealers maintain powerful connections in the capital, Kinshasa, potentially undermining law enforcement efforts.
Eastern DR Congo is rich in gold, diamonds, and essential minerals used in technology products. However, these resources have long been exploited by foreign actors and militia groups, fueling decades of conflict and instability in the region.
The arrests coincide with ongoing conflict in neighboring North Kivu province, where Rwanda-backed rebel groups have taken control of significant territory. The DR Congo government has also recently filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of using “blood minerals” sourced from conflict zones.
Rwanda has denied involvement in the illegal mineral trade, while Apple claims it has stopped sourcing materials from DR Congo and Rwanda. The Chinese embassy in DR Congo has not commented on the latest arrests.
