Tshisekedi family homes searched in Belgium over alleged embezzlement

Belgian authorities have searched properties belonging to Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi and members of his family as part of an investigation into alleged embezzlement of public assets.

The searches were conducted at several locations in Brussels and across municipalities in the Belgian regions of Flanders and Wallonia.

Belgium’s Office of the Prosecutor General confirmed that the searches were linked to an investigation launched in July 2025 following complaints filed by non-governmental organisations.

In a statement issued on October 14, the prosecutor’s office said the investigation concerns allegations of embezzlement involving public assets in the DRC.

The complainants, represented by lawyers including Bernard Maingain, allege that members of Tshisekedi’s family, including his younger brother, Christian Tshisekedi, have for years been involved in the alleged theft of mineral resources in the former Katanga Province.

An employee of a mining company described the situation last year, alleging that the region's resources were being exploited without sufficient local investment.

“Since 2019, things have become much worse. Katanga has become the Tshisekedi family’s cash box. You extract resources from these provinces, particularly Lualaba, yet you invest nothing there,” the employee said.

According to Belgian newspaper La Libre, more than 10 police officers took part in searches at the President's residence and properties belonging to members of his family.

Belgian authorities have not released detailed information about all those targeted by the investigation or confirmed whether any arrests have been made.