BRUSSELS — Belgian police have raided addresses in Brussels and nearby provinces linked to relatives and associates of Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi as part of a money-laundering investigation, according to reports, with unverified accounts claiming that tens of millions of euros in cash and valuable assets were seized.
The searches are said to have yielded about 41 million euros in cash, which was temporarily confiscated. Reports also claim that gold bars, jewellery, and a raw diamond — estimated together at 713 million euros were discovered at properties described as Tshisekedi’s homes. Officials have confirmed few details, citing the need to protect the ongoing probe, and the figures could not be independently verified by USA New Times.
The investigation was reportedly triggered by a 2025 complaint from an NGO and focuses on the alleged laundering of mining revenues from southern DRC provinces. Police operations targeted addresses in Brussels and surrounding provinces connected to the DRC leader’s associates.
In response, the DRC presidency barred cabinet members from contacting the Belgian embassy directly, ordering that all communications be routed through the Foreign Ministry. The presidency also maintained that it had no connection to the raids, according to the reports.
No formal charges against President Tshisekedi or his relatives have been publicly announced, and it was not immediately clear whether any individuals whose properties were searched have been formally accused. Belgian authorities have not released a full statement on the operation.
The raids come amid heightened diplomatic tensions and broader regional controversy, including recent criticism of Rwanda’s plans to host a Formula 1 race. The case is likely to draw further scrutiny to the DRC’s mining sector and cross-border financial flows.
Officials cautioned that the investigation is ongoing and that further details may emerge as Belgian prosecutors continue their work.
