DRC launches probe after about $2 million seized at airport

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have launched a formal investigation following the seizure of millions of US dollars at N’djili International Airport, as the country intensifies its crackdown on financial crimes.

In a statement, Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa confirmed that an initial sum of $1.9 million had been intercepted, though unverified reports suggest the total could be as high as $3.53 million.

“I have instructed the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation to ensure the proper and complete seizure of the funds, to place them under seal in the presence of the competent judicial police officers,” Ngefa said in a statement on social media platform X.

He also ordered the immediate preparation of a detailed report documenting the circumstances of the interception, including the identification of the individual involved and all officials present.

What next?

Under Article 25 of the country’s anti-money laundering law, the seized funds are to be transferred to the Central Bank of the Congo, while case files must be promptly submitted to the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENAREF).

The Justice Minister further directed that the matter be referred to the competent prosecutor’s office to initiate judicial proceedings and a full investigation into the origin of the funds and any potential criminal liability.

The development comes just days after President Félix Tshisekedi signed a decree establishing a specialised criminal court to handle economic and financial crimes.

The new court will focus on offences including corruption, fraud, money laundering, currency counterfeiting and embezzlement of public funds.

Source: Newstimehub