Title: Giannesini Stéphane sentenced for illicit possession of gold: A blow for the trafficking of mineral substances in the DRC
Introduction :
The Commercial Court of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has just rendered its verdict in a case of illicit possession of gold. Giannesini Stéphane, a French national, was found guilty of several offenses and sentenced to 5 years in prison, together with a fine of 480,000 US dollars. This decision marks a blow for the trafficking of mineral substances in the DRC and underlines the importance of the fight against this destructive phenomenon for the economy and the Congolese population.
Facts :
Giannesini Stéphane was apprehended at Goma International Airport on June 25, 2023, when he attempted to leave the country with two fake gold bars. This arrest was made possible thanks to the vigilance of the specialized services responsible for combating the trafficking of mineral substances in the DRC. During his interrogation, Giannesini Stéphane admitted having entered into an agreement to buy 15 kg of gold with a group, but he was trapped and beaten before his arrest.
Charges retained:
At the end of the legal proceedings in flagrance, Giannesini Stéphane was found guilty of four major offences. First, the illicit purchase of mineral substances, which represents a threat to the Congolese economy and perpetuates the cycle of corruption. Then, the illicit possession of mineral substances, an offense that fuels the trafficking and illegal exploitation of the country’s natural resources. The customs fraud was also attributed to Giannesini Stéphane, for having attempted to fraudulently smuggle the gold bars out of the country. Finally, money laundering, a financial crime that conceals the illegal origin of money from the trafficking of mineral substances.
The results :
This conviction marks an important victory in the fight against the trafficking of mineral substances in the DRC. It sends a strong signal to traffickers and illegal actors who exploit the country’s natural resources. By sentencing Giannesini Stéphane to a prison term and imposing a substantial fine, the Commercial Court of Goma is showing its determination to put an end to these illegal practices and to protect the economic interests of the country.
The fight against the trafficking of mineral substances in the DRC:
The DRC is a country rich in natural resources, but the trafficking of mineral substances is a real scourge. It fuels armed conflict, corruption and economic destabilization of the country. The Congolese authorities have put in place measures to combat this traffic, in particular by strengthening border controls and cooperating with neighboring countries to break up trafficking networks..
Conclusion :
The conviction of Giannesini Stéphane for illegal possession of gold is an important step in the fight against the trafficking of mineral substances in the DRC. It demonstrates the commitment of the Congolese authorities to put an end to these illegal practices which harm the economy and the stability of the country. It is essential to continue to strengthen the control mechanisms and international cooperation to definitively eradicate the trafficking of mineral substances in the DRC and promote sustainable and equitable economic development.