Three Chinese nationals caught in DR Congo with gold bars, $800,000 cash

Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo authorities have arrested three Chinese nationals in possession of 12 gold bars and $800,000 in cash, hidden beneath the seat of their vehicle. The operation, shrouded in secrecy, took place in the Walungu area near the Rwandan border.

Jacques Purusi, the governor of South Kivu province, confirmed the arrests, emphasizing the need for discretion due to the high-profile nature of the case. Speaking on the incident, Purusi revealed, “Some dealers in these ‘precious metals’ enjoy strong connections with influential figures in Kinshasa. That’s why we acted quietly this time.”

Acting on a tip-off, authorities conducted a meticulous search of the vehicle, uncovering the contraband. While Purusi refrained from specifying the total quantity of gold seized in recent operations, he noted that efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities were ongoing.

This incident comes amid concerns over the country’s troubled mineral sector. Purusi previously voiced his frustration over the release of 17 Chinese nationals last year, who had been accused of operating an illegal gold mine. They allegedly evaded $10 million in taxes and fines but were allowed to return to China.

“That development undermined efforts to clean up DR Congo’s notoriously murky mineral sector,” Purusi lamented, adding that the latest arrests highlight the persistence of illegal mining activities in the region.

The gold and cash have been confiscated as investigations continue, raising questions about the extent of illegal mining and smuggling operations in one of the world’s most resource-rich yet corruption-plagued regions.