DRC’s DEMIAP dismantles a network of gold traffickers in South Kivu, more than 26,120 kg of ore seized

May 7, 2023May 8, 2023 arnbethnic

The Military Detection of Anti-Homeland Activities of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DEMIAP) has got hold of a network of economic criminals operating in the province of South Kivu.

During this operation, Congolese military intelligence was able to intercept more than 26,120 Kg of contraband gold.

The members of this network were presented, this Friday, May 5, 2023, at the DEMIAP headquarters in Kinshasa, to three members of the Congolese Government, namely the Minister of Mines, Antoinette N’Samba; the Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Rose Mutombo; and that of Finance, Nicolas Kazadi.

DRC's DEMIAP dismantles a network of gold traffickers in South Kivu, more than 26,120 kg of ore seized 2

“The criminals were arrested in possession of 4 safes not yet opened including 1 in Kinshasa and 3 others which are on their way to Kinshasa, 15 laptops and 4 telephones, ovens, scales, molds, 26,120 Kg of gold , 406,000 USD, 6,568,000 CDF, 125,900 Rwandan Francs, 4,560 Rupis then 1,000 Ugandan Cheeling,” said General Sylvain Ekenge, Commander of the Communication and Information Service of the Armed Forces (SCIFA).

According to the Spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, these people arrested say they benefited from the complicity of state agents, particularly within the customs and financial administration.

“Most of them named the people who facilitate this illicit traffic. It was the agents of the State who were apprehended on May 1 in Bukavu by the intelligence services. They traffic and smuggle minerals oriented towards Rwanda and Uganda. “, explained General Sylvain Ekenge.

DRC's DEMIAP dismantles a network of gold traffickers in South Kivu, more than 26,120 kg of ore seized 3

A total of 25 people were apprehended in this case, two of whom are on the run and actively sought by the competent services.

In addition, the Spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, General Sylvain Ekenge, underlines that investigations are continuing to shed light on this case of illicit trafficking in gold ore.

“The investigations continue and then after the investigations, we will put them at the disposal of justice so that they can undergo the rigor of the law. “, he concluded.