DRC: Three Chinese nationals arrested with 12 gold bars
Three Chinese nationals have been arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in possession of 12 gold bars valued at 800,000 dollars.
The gold, along with cash, was hidden beneath the seats of the vehicle in which they were apprehended, according to Jean Jacques Purusi, the governor of South Kivu.
The governor revealed that this operation had been kept confidential following the recent release from prison of another group of Chinese nationals accused of operating an illegal gold mine in the region.
The eastern part of the DRC is home to numerous mines rich in gold, diamonds, and minerals essential for manufacturing batteries used in phones and electric vehicles.
Jean Jacques Purusi further explained that some precious metal traffickers maintain close ties with influential figures in the capital, Kinshasa, which is why recent operations have been carried out in secrecy.
(QG - BBC / Picture: © Pixabay)