DRC security forces arrest hundreds in anti-crime operations

Security forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have conducted large-scale operations to dismantle criminal networks and fraudulent officials. In the Haut-Katanga province, a joint operation by the Congolese National Police (PNC) and the FARDC targeted the Kambove Mining concession. Authorities arrested 669 suspected criminals, including six career military personnel, who allegedly established a parallel state system within the mining site. These individuals reportedly posed as military members, police officers, magistrates, and tax agents to extort operators and collect illegal taxes.

Simultaneously, in Kinshasa, the Inspection General of the PNC conducted a three-day sweep involving approximately 70 inspectors. This operation resulted in the arrest of over 20 corrupt officers and several individuals posing as police officers. Investigators found that some imposters were irregularly recruited by sub-station commanders and equipped with uniforms to engage in extortion and racketeering. The crackdown also targeted judicial police officers accused of illegal detentions.