AfricaTopSuccess They make Africa
Three Chinese citizens were sentenced to 7 years in prison and ordered to pay $600,000 in fines for illegally exploiting mineral resources in Congo, according to reports.
The ruling marks the first time foreign mineral brokers have been convicted for unauthorized mineral exploitation in the DRC without authorization 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 with 10 gold bars and $400,000 in cash.
However, the lawyers representing the victims hailed the verdict as educational, and said they hope the case will deter future illegal mining operations in the DRC.
The Congolese government has said it is also working to secure better terms on a $6.2 billion mining contract with China, which authorities say has not been profitable enough for the Central African nation since it was signed in 2008.
