17/04/2025
A Great Fund By @Ashlee
DRC: The largest Swiss bank blocks the funds of the Tshisekedi family, estimated at $8 billion, but experts suspect that part of the fortune is in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates
Date:
February 19, 2025
By JeN-LUC KIENGE
In a financial stunt that is shaking the banking and political circles, the largest Swiss bank, UBS, confirmed that it has frozen funds belonging to the Tshisekedi family, estimated at nearly $8 billion. This decision is part of an international investigation into allegations of money laundering and embezzlement of public funds. However, according to several financial experts, a substantial part of the Tshisekedi family's fortune could be hidden in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, countries known for their financial opacity.
A fortune under surveillance
The Tshisekedi family, whose patriarch, Étienne Tshisekedi, was an emblematic figure of the opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is now in the spotlight. Félix Tshisekedi, his son, is the current president of the DRC, and this revelation could have major political repercussions. The funds blocked in Switzerland are suspected of being linked to opaque transactions and embezzlement of natural resources, especially in the mining sector, which represents a significant part of the Congolese economy.
UBS, in collaboration with the Swiss judicial authorities, justified this measure with "substantial evidence" of suspicious financial movements. "We have a legal obligation to ensure that our banking system is not used for illegal purposes," said a bank spokesman. However, the exact details of the investigation remain confidential.
A fortune scattered internationally
If the $8 billion frozen in Switzerland represent a colossal sum, several international finance experts believe that this fortune would only be the tip of the iceberg. According to sources close to the file, a significant part of the assets of the Tshisekedi family is hidden in offshore accounts in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, two countries renowned for their banking discretion and attractiveness for controversial fortunes.
“Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are hubs for opaque capital. Their financial system is designed to attract foreign investment, often without asking too many questions," explains a London-based financial analyst, on condition of anonymity. “It is very likely that additional billions will be hidden in investment funds or shell companies in these countries.”
Political and economic implications
This case could have major consequences for Félix Tshisekedi, whose presidency is already marked by economic and political challenges. The DRC, one of the richest countries in natural resources in the world, paradoxically remains one of the poorest, with a large part of its population living in extreme poverty. Allegations of embezzlement of public funds by the presidential family risk fueling popular discontent and fueling political tensions.
At the international level, this case also highlights the persistent challenges of the fight against corruption and money laundering. Despite increased efforts to strengthen financial transparency, countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates continue to offer safe havens for illicit fortunes.
An ongoing investigation
The Swiss authorities, in coordination with Interpol and other international organizations, indicated that the investigation was underway and that requests for mutual legal assistance had been sent to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. However, it is unlikely that these countries will cooperate quickly, given their reluctance to share sensitive financial information.
In the meantime, the Tshisekedi family denies any involvement in illegal activities. In a statement released by their lawyers, they described these allegations as a "defamation campaign" aimed at discrediting the president and his family.
Conclusion
This case once again illustrates the complexities of international finance and the difficulties in tracking down hidden fortunes. While Switzerland has taken measures to block some of the assets of the Tshisekedi family, the question remains: where is the rest of this colossal fortune? The answer could well be found in the sands of the Qatari and Emirati desert, where financial opacity remains queen.
Par JeN-LUC KIENGE Dans un coup de théâtre financier qui secoue les milieux bancaires et politiques, la plus grande banque suisse, UBS, a confirmé avoir gelé des fonds appartenant à la famille Tshi…
vacradiointernational.com