Belgian Court to Try Semlex for Congo

A Belgian court will try the Semlex company and other defendants on charges of bribing foreign public officials, money laundering, and tax fraud. The case centers on the contract for biometric passports in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 2015 to 2025. This is the first time a Belgian company has been referred to a criminal court in Belgium over alleged foreign bribery.

According to a coalition of civil parties, including the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and Transparency International, the accused orchestrated a large-scale corruption scheme. For each passport sold for $185, $60 was allegedly funneled to a Dubai-based company linked to an associate of former DRC President Joseph Kabila. The scheme reportedly diverted nearly $60 million from the Congolese people.

A Landmark Case for Congolese Citizens

The case originated from a civil action brought by Congolese citizens in May 2020. They were supported by the coalition Congo Is Not For Sale. Fred Bauma, a Congolese citizen acting as a civil claimant, stated the core grievance. He said they paid $185 for passports before learning from the press that some of that money had allegedly been used to bribe members of the political elite, and that they have a right to know where their money went, hoping the trial will finally shed light on the matter.

The civil parties commend a nearly nine-year investigation. Belgian investigators traced bank transactions, analyzed emails and messages, interviewed witnesses, and executed letters rogatory in the DRC and the United Arab Emirates.

International Human Rights and Accountability

For the human rights organizations involved, this trial is a crucial mechanism for remedy. Jean-Claude Katende, Vice-President of the FIDH, emphasized the need for accountability to extend to the DRC. He expressed hope that this case will also shed light on responsibilities at the Congolese level, which could lead to further legal action in the DRC.

The case directly engages international civil rights frameworks. It tests mechanisms against corruption that drains public resources, violating economic and social rights. The right to an effective remedy for such violations is central to the proceedings.

A Test for Belgian Justice

The referral is a significant step for Belgium's justice system. The country has been criticized for weak enforcement of laws against foreign bribery, despite its commitments under the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and the UN Convention against Corruption. Transparency International Belgium called the court referral historic, stating that for far too long, Belgium has fallen short of its commitments to combat international corruption.

The signatory organizations stress that the defendants are presumed innocent. They hope the trial will establish responsibility and send a clear message about corporate accountability for actions abroad. The investigation file now moves to the Brussels Criminal Court for a trial on the merits.