DR Congo Seizes Millions at N’djili Airport, Launches Financial Crime Investigation

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are investigating the seizure of up to $3.53 million at N’djili International Airport as part of a crackdown on financial crimes. Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa ordered the funds secured, transferred to the Central Bank of the Congo, and the case forwarded for prosecution, as the government strengthens efforts under President Félix Tshisekedi.

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have initiated a formal investigation following the seizure of a large sum of US dollars at N’djili International Airport, in what officials describe as part of a broader and intensifying crackdown on financial crimes in the country.
According to an official statement, Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa confirmed that authorities initially intercepted $1.9 million during the operation. However, unverified reports circulating suggest that the total amount seized could be significantly higher, reaching up to $3.53 million. The discrepancy is expected to be clarified as the investigation progresses and a full audit of the recovered funds is completed.
Ngefa stated that he has directed the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation to take immediate and comprehensive action to secure the funds. This includes ensuring that the entire amount is properly confiscated, documented, and placed under official seal in the presence of competent judicial police officers, in line with legal procedures. The minister emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the process.
In addition, he ordered the urgent preparation of a detailed investigative report that will outline the exact circumstances surrounding the seizure. This report is expected to include critical information such as the identity of the individual or individuals linked to the funds, the sequence of events leading to the interception, and the roles played by all officials present during the operation.
Under Article 25 of the country’s anti-money laundering legislation, the confiscated funds are to be transferred to the Central Bank of the Congo, where they will be held pending the outcome of legal proceedings. At the same time, all relevant case files must be promptly submitted to the CENAREF, the national body responsible for analyzing financial intelligence and tracking illicit financial flows.
The Justice Minister further instructed that the case be referred without delay to the appropriate prosecutor’s office. This step is intended to trigger formal judicial proceedings and enable a thorough investigation into the origin of the seized funds, as well as to determine whether any criminal offences—such as money laundering, fraud, or illegal financial transfers—have been committed. Authorities are also expected to examine whether there are broader networks or accomplices involved.
This development comes just days after President Félix Tshisekedi signed a decree establishing a specialised criminal court dedicated to handling economic and financial crimes. The creation of this court is seen as a significant step in strengthening the country’s legal framework for tackling complex financial offences.
The newly established court will focus on prosecuting cases involving corruption, fraud, money laundering, currency counterfeiting, and the embezzlement of public funds. Analysts believe that the timing of the airport seizure and the establishment of the court underscores the government’s renewed commitment to combating financial misconduct and improving accountability within both public and private sectors.
The ongoing investigation is expected to provide further insight into the scale of illicit financial activities within the country and may serve as a test case for the effectiveness of the new judicial mechanisms being put in place.