Belgian police raid homes linked to Tshisekedi’s relatives in probe into alleged theft of DRC mining revenues

Belgian police raid homes linked to Tshisekedi’s relatives in probe into alleged theft of DRC mining revenues - DRC President Félix Tshisekedi. (Photo: File)

Belgian authorities are investigating nine relatives and associates of Félix Tshisekedi over suspected money laundering and the alleged diversion of mineral revenues from two major mining provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Belgian police have raided properties linked to relatives of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi in a money-laundering investigation into the alleged theft of mining revenues, opening a new front of scrutiny for the Congolese leader.

The searches were conducted on Wednesday at several properties in Brussels and the neighbouring provinces of Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant, according to Belgium’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation follows complaints filed in Belgium in 2025 by non-governmental organisations from the southern Congolese region of Katanga and former executives of Gécamines, the DRC’s state-owned mining company. The complaints concern the alleged diversion of mineral resources in the provinces of Haut-Katanga and Lualaba.

Belgian media reports indicate that nine relatives and associates of Tshisekedi, all Belgian nationals, are under investigation. However, the prosecutor’s office has not confirmed whether those whose homes were searched are related to the president.

“To preserve the confidentiality of the investigation and the presumption of innocence, no additional information will be provided,” the prosecutor's office said.

The investigation adds to the challenges facing Tshisekedi’s government, which is grappling with an armed rebellion by the M23 group in eastern DRC despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. The fighting has displaced families and weakened government control over parts of the region.

Latest Stories

  • African countries could save billions by cutting air pollution and greenhouse gases at the same time
  • Nominated Senator Crystal Asige joins Winnie Odinga and Jalang’o in Nairobi Senate race
  • Tusker FC suffer home defeat as Singida strike puts CAF Confederation Cup hopes at risk
  • Ecuadorian priest dies after giant wooden crucifix crashes down on him during live-streamed Mass

The probe also comes amid renewed political and military developments in eastern Congo, where former president Joseph Kabila has emerged as the leader of a new coalition that includes M23.

Announced on Monday, the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) brings together Kabila, leaders of the armed group and representatives of its political wing, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC). The coalition was presented as a political and military movement seeking to challenge Tshisekedi’s government.

Meanwhile, the DRC is battling a deadly Ebola outbreak that has recorded more than 9,000 cases and 4,000 deaths. The outbreak has placed additional pressure on an already stretched public health system as authorities work to contain infections and provide care for those affected.