A recent development in the ongoing property dispute between Moïse Katumbi and his brother, Raphaël Katebe Katoto, has seen a Belgian judicial expert confirm that seven disputed documents were written and signed by Raphaël Katebe Katoto. The expert, Françoise Coenraets, concluded with 100% certainty that the signatures and handwritten texts on the documents were those of Raphaël Katebe Katoto. This finding supports Moïse Katumbi's defense, which has questioned the authenticity of the documents.
The dispute between the two brothers concerns several properties, including a villa in Lubumbashi, buildings in Kashobwe, and installations in Kalemie. Moïse Katumbi claims to have acquired these properties in the early 2000s, while Raphaël Katebe Katoto disputes this. The documents in question include a confirmation of payment for the villa in Lubumbashi, which Moïse Katumbi claims to have purchased for $1.25 million. Raphaël Katebe Katoto had allegedly demanded the remaining $250,000, threatening to cancel the sale if not paid.
The expert's report, dated October 15, 2026, was based on a comparative analysis of the disputed documents and three reference documents presented as authentic. The analysis examined the shape of the letters, their inclination, pen movements, spacing, and signature characteristics. This technical evidence is seen as a significant boost to Moïse Katumbi's defense, which has argued that the documents produced by his brother are fabricated.
The property dispute between the two brothers has been ongoing for several years, with a family meeting held in 2012 attempting to resolve the issue. During this meeting, Raphaël Katebe Katoto allegedly stated that Moïse Katumbi owed him nothing. However, Raphaël Katebe Katoto has since disputed the documents and taken the case to court. His lawyers argue that the case should be heard in a lower court, while Moïse Katumbi's lawyers claim that the Court of Cassation lacks jurisdiction.
Moïse Katumbi's lawyers have also raised concerns about the procedure followed in the case, citing irregularities in the acts of procedure and the competence of the greffier who handled the citations. They argue that their client was not properly notified of the proceedings and was unable to present his defense adequately. A request to reopen the debate has been filed, and a procedure against the magistrate involved in the case has been initiated.
Another aspect of the case is Raphaël Katebe Katoto's Belgian nationality, which has been raised by Moïse Katumbi's lawyers as a potential issue. They produce an extract from the Belgian national register to support their claim. However, the legal implications of this remain to be seen. The case continues to unfold, with the Court of Cassation yet to make a decision on the matter.
While the Belgian expertise provides strong evidence for Moïse Katumbi's claims, it does not constitute a definitive ruling on the ownership of the properties or the culpability of Moïse Katumbi. The case highlights the complexities of property disputes and the importance of verifying the authenticity of documents in such cases. The court's decision will ultimately determine the outcome of the dispute between the two brothers.
Key points
- The Belgian expert's report confirms that Raphaël Katebe Katoto wrote and signed the seven disputed documents.
- The dispute concerns several properties, including a villa in Lubumbashi and buildings in Kashobwe.
- Moïse Katumbi's lawyers argue that the Court of Cassation lacks jurisdiction and that the procedure followed in the case was irregular.
