DR Congo Files Criminal Complaint Against Apple Over Conflict Minerals
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken legal action against Apple, filing a criminal complaint against the tech giant’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium. This move comes amid allegations of Apple’s involvement in the sourcing of conflict minerals, specifically those used in the production of its devices. The DRC, a significant source of 3T minerals (tin, tantalum, and tungsten) crucial for computer and mobile phone manufacturing, accuses Apple of illicit practices linked to these resources.
Allegations of Illegal Mining and Complicity
The DRC’s legal complaint, submitted to the Paris prosecutor’s office and a Belgian investigating magistrate, targets Apple France and Apple Retail France, along with Apple Retail Belgium. The complaint alleges a range of offences. These include the concealment of war crimes, the laundering of tainted minerals, handling stolen goods, and engaging in deceptive commercial practices. The country’s government claims Apple’s operations are intertwined with illegal mining activities. This has been a concern for the United Nations and numerous human rights organizations that have previously warned that some artisanal mines are illegally exploited by armed groups. These groups are often accused of heinous acts such as massacres, mass rapes, and looting. The DRC’s action underscores the ongoing challenges in regulating the supply chains of tech companies and ensuring ethical sourcing of materials from conflict-affected regions.
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