africatodayonline.blogspot.com -
Companies operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo's copper-rich Katanga province between 2008 and 2013 allegedly owe the government US$3.7 billion in unpaid custom duties and fines by under-declaring the value of imports and exports, Reuters reported Jan. 30 citing an unpublished November 2013 report by the local public prosecutor's office.
In addition, the report emphasized alleged corruption among the customs authorities in the province, and some were even accused of destroying evidence of tax evasion.
The report examined 25 cases of customs infractions. It determined that 11 companies including Mutanda Mining — a copper miner 69% owned by Glencore Xstrata Plc — were accountable for US$741 million in unpaid taxes and fines, according to Reuters.
The mission's report also stated that "all parties" agreed to the penalties following discussions between the customs agency and the companies.
The report's accuracy was questioned by Glencore and David Kalande, the provincial director of Katanga's customs agency.
"Contrary to what is stated in the draft document, no contact was made by the 'mission' with Mutanda mining. Mutanda has no outstanding taxes or fines," a Glencore representative reportedly said.
An additional 252 alleged cases remained outstanding, and the amount associated with these cases totals US$3 billion, according to the report.
