Tip-off leads to gold bust as DR Congo authorities arrest Chinese suspects amid 'blood minerals' scrutiny
Authorities in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), have arrested three Chinese nationals found in possession of 12 gold bars and $800,000 in cash, according to Governor Jean Jacques Purusi.
The items were concealed under the seats of the suspects' vehicle during a search conducted in the Walungu area near the Rwandan border.
Governor Purusi revealed that the arrests were the result of a secretive operation prompted by a tip-off.
He added that some of these dealers in precious metals enjoyed good relations with influential people in the capital, Kinshasa, and this was why the mission to carry out these latest arrests had to be kept quiet.
Eastern DR Congo is rich in natural resources, including gold, diamonds, and minerals essential for mobile phones and electric vehicles. However, the region's wealth has long been a source of conflict. Since the colonial era, DR Congo's minerals have been exploited by foreign groups, fuelling instability.
Militia groups control many mines in the area, using the proceeds to fund their activities.
These activities have fuelled a cycle of violence and conflict by financing militias and terrorist groups and have contributed to forced child labour and environmental devastation.
The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of illegal mining in the region. Last month, Governor Purusi criticised the release of 17 Chinese nationals who were arrested for operating an illegal gold mine in the province. The group, reportedly owing $10 million in taxes and fines, was allowed to return to China.
The ongoing mineral exploitation in DR Congo has drawn global attention, including a lawsuit filed by DR Congo against Apple last month. The Congolese government alleges that minerals from conflict areas are being laundered through international supply chains, fuelling violence and environmental harm. Apple, in response, stated it had ceased sourcing materials from both DR Congo and Rwanda.
DR Congo's Minister of Human Rights, Chantal Chambu Mwavita, recently called on the international community to impose sanctions and take decisive action against companies involved in the illegal trade of "blood minerals." She described the situation as a "terrible genocide" and urged global actors to intervene.
“We are asking the international community to do even more, not to limit itself to denunciation but to sanction and take a stand,” she told Global South World.
