On October 14, 2026, the Belgian federal prosecutor's office carried out a series of raids in Brussels and surrounding areas, targeting properties linked to the Tshisekedi family. The raids resulted in the seizure of 910 million euros, millions of dollars, pounds sterling, Swiss francs, gold bars, diamonds, drugs, luxury cars, designer bags, and watches. The properties searched included a 860m² villa in Uccle, used as a secondary residence by Mabundi 1er Fatsi Tshivube, rented under the name of Denise Nyakeru.
The raids were part of an investigation into money laundering, corruption, embezzlement, and financial crimes. The probe was launched following a complaint filed on July 8, 2025, by Brussels lawyer Bernard Maingain on behalf of NGOs from the Katanga mining region and former executives of Gécamines. The investigation targeted close associates and family members of the Tshisekedi family.
Denise Nyakeru, a former cleaner and laundry worker in retirement homes, has become a multimillionaire in just seven years. Her connection to the Tshisekedi family and her sudden wealth have raised suspicions. The villa in Uccle, rented under her name, was used as a secondary residence by Mabundi 1er Fatsi Tshivube.
This is not the first time the Tshisekedi family has been linked to illicit activities. Jean de Dieu Mutebwa Mulumba, a relative of Félix Tshilombo Kaniki Tshintuntu, was arrested with over 200 kg of cocaine at the Bulgarian-Turkish border on July 18, 2025. Mutebwa was traveling in a diplomatic vehicle with a permit that was deemed unauthorized by the embassy.
Another individual linked to the Tshisekedi family, Éric Mandala Kinzenga, was arrested in Madrid in January 2025 with 222 kg of cocaine. Mandala, a businessman and influencer, was caught transferring the drugs in a secret compartment of a van. He was also found with cash and 50,000 USDT in cryptocurrency.
Mandala's arrest revealed a complex international trafficking network, with the cocaine originating from Ecuador and passing through the port of Algésiras in Spain. He was suspected of using his legitimate businesses to orchestrate the trafficking. Mandala was detained in Madrid for a year before being released and returning to Kinshasa on March 9, 2025.
The Belgian authorities have not disclosed the quantity of drugs seized during the raids on the Tshisekedi family's properties. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what further revelations will come to light.
Key points
- The raids targeted properties linked to the Tshisekedi family, seizing millions of euros, luxury goods, and drugs.
- The investigation is focused on money laundering, corruption, embezzlement, and financial crimes.
- Several individuals linked to the Tshisekedi family have been arrested in connection with cocaine trafficking.
