Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have apprehended three Chinese nationals in possession of 12 gold bars and $800,000 in cash.
The operation, carried out in South Kivu province, uncovered the contraband hidden under the seat of their vehicle in the Walungu area, near the Rwandan border.
Jacques Purusi, the governor of South Kivu, confirmed the arrest, emphasizing that the operation was conducted discreetly due to the sensitive nature of the case.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Purusi disclosed that a tip-off had prompted the raid, adding that previous attempts to curb illegal mining activities had been compromised by influential connections in Kinshasa, the nation’s capital.
“The arrest had to be kept secret because of the recent release of another group of Chinese nationals accused of operating illegal gold mines,” Mr. Purusi said.
The governor criticized the release of 17 Chinese nationals last year, who had been detained for allegedly running an illegal gold mine.
The suspects were reportedly allowed to return to China without facing trial, despite owing the Congolese government $10 million in taxes and fines.
The incident, Mr. Purusi lamented, undermined ongoing efforts to sanitize the country’s troubled mining sector, notorious for its corruption and illicit activities.
Although the exact quantity of gold seized in the recent operation was not disclosed, the case highlights the persistent challenges facing the DR Congo’s mineral-rich provinces.
Illegal mining and smuggling have long been a drain on the nation’s resources, with foreign actors frequently implicated in exploiting the sector.
The latest arrests come as Congolese authorities intensify their crackdown on illegal mining operations and seek to enforce stricter regulations.
However, questions remain about the extent of local and international complicity in the country’s lucrative but chaotic mineral trade.
Observers have urged the government to ensure transparency and accountability in handling such cases to restore confidence in its commitment to fighting illegal mining and preserving the nation’s wealth for its citizens.
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