DR Congo launches investigation into $315 million mining scandal

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s justice ministry has ordered a full investigation into alleged embezzlement within state miner Gecamines, involving over $300 million.

The suspected misappropriation, spanning 2012 to 2020, follows accusations by NGOs and opposition politicians regarding corruption at Gecamines. The company, a minority stakeholder in major global copper and cobalt ventures, has long been under scrutiny.

In 2022, Congo’s General Inspectorate of Finances (IGF) revealed discrepancies in Gecamines’ records, identifying $413 million in tax advances and loans unaccounted for in the national treasury. The report alleged that these funds were misappropriated, spurring calls for further audits.

The IGF also highlighted a separate audit uncovering the mismanagement of $315 million in advance tax payments during the same period. Gecamines has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has not issued a statement in response to the recent allegations.

On Saturday, the justice ministry confirmed the case would be brought to court, targeting those involved in the “misappropriation of public funds.” It emphasized its focus on the missing $315 million and vowed to hold culprits accountable.

The ministry revealed that international arrest warrants have been issued for the suspects, with requests forwarded to multiple countries for cooperation. Names of the accused have not yet been disclosed.

This investigation marks a pivotal step in tackling corruption within Congo’s resource-rich mining sector, which plays a critical role in the global cobalt and copper supply chain.

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