Financial Crime World

Title: Whistleblowers Face Death Sentences and Intimidation in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Exposing Financial Crimes

Overview

  • Courageous whistleblowers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) face retaliation for revealing financial crimes.
  • Dan Gertler, a mining magnate, and Afriland Bank, a Congolese subsidiary, implicated in embezzlement and money laundering.
  • Whistleblowers sentenced to death in a fraudulent trial amid international condemnation.
  • Journalists and NGOs investigating the case face threats, attempts to spread false information.

Congolese Whistleblowers face Retaliation for Exposing Financial Crimes

Paris, March 4, 2021

Two Congolese whistleblowers, Navy Malela and Gradi Koko, have faced a wave of retaliatory acts, including death sentences and threats, for revealing financial crimes that implicate Dan Gertler, a mining magnate, and Afriland Bank, the Congolese subsidiary of a Cameroonian bank.

Illicit Dealings Exposed

The whistleblowers spoke out after witnessing widespread embezzlement and money laundering at Afriland Bank. The recent revelations have exposed illicit dealings worth millions of dollars between Dan Gertler and Afriland Bank.

Intimidation and Retaliation

Instead of addressing the allegations on their merits, those implicated have resorted to intimidation and retaliation. The whistleblowers were sentenced to death in a fraudulent trial, following a monstrous and irregular judgement.

False Information Campaigns

Journalists and NGOs investigating the case have faced threats and false information campaigns. Afriland Bank’s lawyers, including French lawyer Eric Moutet, have led the charge, attempting to discredit investigations and journalists.

PPLAAF’s Call for Transparency and Accountability

“Uphold the Rule of Law and Protect the Whistleblowers’ Safety and Rights” - Henri Thulliez, Director of PPLAAF

The Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) condemned these attacks in the strongest terms and called on the Congolese authorities to overturn the unjust judgement, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights and safety of these courageous individuals.

PPLAAF’s Support for the Whistleblowers

PPLAAF has been supporting and defending the whistleblowers since the exposing of these financial crimes. The organization provides legal representation to the whistleblowers and advocates for their protection.

Ongoing fight for Transparency and Accountability

Despite these challenges, the courage and determination of these whistleblowers remind us of the crucial steps we must take towards building a better future for the citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo by promoting transparency, accountability, and the upholding of the rule of law.