Three Chinese Nationals Arrested with Gold Bars and Cash in DR Congo

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have arrested three Chinese nationals in possession of 12 gold bars and $800,000 in cash. The discovery was made in the eastern province of South Kivu, with the valuables hidden beneath the seats of their vehicle, according to Jean Jacques Purusi, the provincial governor.

The arrests were conducted covertly, following the recent release of another group of Chinese nationals previously accused of operating an illegal gold mine in the region. Eastern DRC, rich in gold, diamonds, and essential minerals for mobile phones and electric vehicles, has long suffered from exploitation by foreign entities, fueling decades of instability.

Governor Purusi highlighted the control of many mines by militia groups, whose leaders profit from selling the extracted minerals to intermediaries. He noted that some of these dealers have connections with powerful figures in the capital, Kinshasa, which necessitated the secrecy of the operation.

Acting on a tip-off, authorities meticulously searched the suspects’ vehicle in the Walungu area, near the Rwandan border, uncovering the concealed gold and cash. The exact quantity of gold seized was not disclosed.

Governor Purusi expressed his dismay last month upon learning that 17 Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining were released and repatriated to China. He criticized the decision, stating it undermined efforts to reform the DRC’s troubled mineral sector. These individuals reportedly owed $10 million in taxes and fines.

The Chinese embassy has not responded to the allegations. Meanwhile, in neighboring North Kivu province, fighting continues as a rebel group reportedly backed by Rwanda seizes territory. Rwanda denies involvement in the illegal export of minerals from the DRC.

In a related lawsuit, Congolese government lawyers accuse these activities of perpetuating violence, financing militias, and contributing to forced child labor and environmental damage, through the laundering of conflict minerals in international supply chains.