“3 Chinese citizens sentenced to 7 years for illegal mining in DR Congo” 15 January 2025

Three Chinese citizens were sentenced Tuesday to seven years in prison and ordered to pay US$600,000 in fines for illegally exploiting mineral resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to court filings.

The ruling marks the first time foreign mineral brokers have been convicted for unauthorised mineral exploitation in the DRC without authorisation from Congolese authorities.

The defendants were also found guilty of fraud, money laundering and looting. It is unclear if they will remain in the eastern city of Bukavu, where they are held, or if they will be transferred elsewhere.

They were arrested on January 4 with 10 gold bars and US$400,000 in cash...