UAE-led international operation results in arrest of 58 people, seizing 32 kg of gold in Congo Basin

 Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, revealed that the international operation “Jungle Shield”, launched under the leadership of the UAE and with the collaboration of several African countries, has resulted in the arrest of 58 suspects, the seizure of 32 kilograms of gold that were output of illegal mining operations, in addition to the confiscation of more than $11 million worth of seized property in the Congo Basin.

Sheikh Saif, through the “X” platform, said, “In view of the UAE's commitment to international cooperation in the field of climate action and its ongoing involvement in the International Law Enforcement for Climate Initiative (I2LEC), the international "Jungle Shield" operation was launched. The operation was spearheaded by the UAE and saw the involvement of Angola, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Congo, Gabon, South Sudan, Zambia, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), and the Lusaka Convention Task Force.”

He added, “The 14-day operation was designed to combat environmental crimes in the Congo Basin. This resulted in the apprehension of 58 suspects, the seizure of 32 kilograms of gold from illegal mining operations, and the confiscation of more than $11 million in illicit assets. These outcomes serve to reinforce the urgent necessity for enhanced international collaboration to combat environmental crimes, with the aim of achieving a more sustainable global environment.”