Dan Gertler Admits Paying Kabila Associate in Congo Mining Dealings

Israeli Tycoon Dan Gertler Acknowledges Payments to Kabila Ally in Congo Mining Dispute

Israeli businessman Dan Gertler has admitted to making substantial payments to Augustin Katumba Mwanke, a close associate of former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila, in connection with his extensive mining operations in the country.

The revelations come from an April 2024 arbitration ruling in Israel, obtained by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) and reviewed by Bloomberg.

The arbitration, involving Gertler and fellow Israeli businessmen Moises and Mendi Gertner, outlines for the first time in Gertler’s own words how payments were made to Katumba, ostensibly for community development projects, while acquiring significant mining and oil interests across the DRC.

In the proceedings, Gertler disclosed that he sold mining shares — including gold, iron, and copper permits — for $120 million in 2006 to benefit Katumba and other Congolese partners.

He detailed the structure of their business arrangements, noting that in some cases, “one company was for me, and one company for Katumba.” In other instances, both parties’ rights were held within the same company.

Gertler testified that the rights designated for Katumba were held in trust by him until instructed to transfer or manage them.

He claimed ignorance of the identities of Katumba’s local Congolese partners, but said the arrangement included projects such as schools and hospitals.

“Our relationship was built on trust and significant payments,” Gertler said. “Katumba didn’t bring these assets for free.”

Among the more striking statements reportedly made by Gertler during the arbitration:

“A lot of money was paid to Katumba.”

“Everything I had, half was his.”

“I am a king in Miba to this day. I am a king in the DRC to this day.”

Gertler’s legal team clarified that these remarks stemmed from “oral and informal” discussions, suggesting that while some revenue splits may have reached 50%, most agreements were closer to 15%.

He also revealed that he provided a “cash loan” to the Congolese government, saying: “I gave cash to the government. To the Central Bank of Congo in cash.” His lawyers claimed the loan was directed to the state-owned mining company Miba, and insisted such transactions were common and legal at the time.

The arbitral tribunal reviewed over 10,000 pages of evidence before concluding that Gertler owed the Gertner brothers $85 million, a fraction of their original $1.6 billion claim. Gertler has since filed a motion to vacate the award.

The judge clarified that the tribunal did not evaluate the legality of the business practices in question and that no compelling evidence of corruption was presented during the case.

Katumba Mwanke, who died in a plane crash in 2012, was widely regarded as a top adviser and power broker in Kabila’s administration.

A spokesperson for former President Kabila denied any involvement in Gertler’s activities.