Three Chinese citizens have been sentenced by a Congolese court to seven years in prison following their involvement in illegal activities linked to the artisanal mining sector.
Reports indicate that Congolese authorities discovered gold bars and $400,000 in cash in their possession during their arrest on January 4, 2025.
Reuters notes that the trio are the first Chinese nationals to face trial since the Democratic Republic of Congo intensified efforts to combat unlicensed mining of its precious and strategic minerals, particularly in the conflict-affected east.
On Tuesday, a court in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, found the defendants guilty of money laundering, illegal purchase and possession of mineral substances, among other charges.
The individuals pleaded guilty to four out of seven charges, claiming they were unaware their actions violated Congolese law.
In addition to their prison sentences, the court imposed a $600,000 fine and permanently banned the offenders from Congo upon completing their sentences.