The Democratic Republic of Congo has initiated an investigation into allegations of embezzlement at Gecamines, the state-owned mining company.
The investigation follows a report by the General Inspectorate of Finances (IGF) which found that over $400 million in tax advances and loans paid by Gecamines to the national treasury could not be accounted for.
The IGF report, released in 2022, concluded that these funds were likely misappropriated. Gecamines, which holds stakes in several major mining projects, has denied any wrongdoing.
A separate audit by the IGF also uncovered evidence of embezzlement of advance tax payments worth approximately $315 million between 2012 and 2020.
Based on these findings, the Congolese justice ministry has instructed the public prosecutor to open a court case against those responsible for the “misappropriation of public funds.”
International arrest warrants have been issued for the individuals implicated in the embezzlement scheme.
This investigation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Democratic Republic of Congo in combating corruption and ensuring transparency in the management of its vast natural resources.