Congo seizes gold, cash, frees 5 in smuggling case

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s state prosecutor said five people including an American and two French citizens, as well as an impounded, US -registered Gulfstream jet, had been released after a $3 million fine was paid.
“The legislature allows the possibility for investigators to reach an agreement and it can close proceedings if the fine is paid,” Flory Kabange said in a statement.
The group, which included two Nigerians, was arrested on Feb. 3 after they flew in from Nigeria to the eastern town of Goma, in North Kivu province, to carry out a transaction with the gold and cash.
Kabange said the confiscated booty would be paid into the state treasury.