Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have launched a formal investigation after millions of US dollars were seized at N’djili International Airport, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to combat financial crime
Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa confirmed that an initial amount of 1.9 million dollars had been intercepted although unverified reports suggest the total could reach 3.53 million dollars
Ngefa said he had instructed the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation to ensure the full seizure of the funds and place them under official seal in the presence of judicial police officers
He also ordered a detailed report to clarify how the money was intercepted identify the individual involved and determine the role of all officials present during the operation
Under the country’s anti money laundering law the seized funds will be transferred to the Central Bank while the case will be submitted to the National Financial Intelligence Unit for further review
The justice minister has also directed that the case be handed to prosecutors to begin formal legal proceedings and determine the origin of the funds and any criminal responsibility
The investigation comes shortly after President Félix Tshisekedi established a specialised criminal court to handle financial and economic crimes including corruption fraud money laundering and embezzlement of public funds
Source: TRT Afrika
