Three Chinese nationals have been arrested in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for being found in possession of 12 gold bars and $800,000 in cash, according to officials in the country.
The Governor of South Kivu province, Jean Jacques Purusi, revealed that the gold and cash were hidden under the seats of the vehicle the individuals were traveling in. This latest arrest operation was kept confidential following the recent release of another group of Chinese nationals accused of illegal mining activities in the same region.
Purusi stated that some precious metals traders in the capital Kinshasa have strong connections with influential figures, which is why the arrest operation had to be conducted secretly. The enforcement officers acted on intelligence, discovering the gold and cash after a thorough search of a vehicle.
Last month, 17 Chinese men were arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities in South Kivu province of the DRC. Approximately 60 Chinese individuals were detained at the scene, with these 17 believed to be the ringleaders. Subsequently, Reuters reported that 14 of them were released and allowed to return to China, leaving Governor Purusi shocked by the news.
He added that these Chinese miners owed the government $10 million in unpaid taxes and fines. An article published by the “Center for Corporate Responsibility” on November 26, 2024, highlighted that foreign nationals are prohibited from participating in artisanal mining according to the mining law of the DRC. However, Chinese companies have been bypassing this prohibition by collaborating with local cooperatives, thus evading federal taxes.
The eastern region of the DRC is rich in gold, diamonds, and minerals used in the manufacturing of mobile phones and electric vehicle batteries. These mineral resources have been exploited by foreign entities since colonial times and have been one of the main causes of unrest in the region over the past 30 years.
The Central African country emphasizes its efforts to prevent unauthorized companies, sometimes even armed groups, from mining its abundant cobalt, copper, gold, and other mineral reserves. The competition for mining operations has intensified conflicts in border areas with Rwanda.