Blackmail campaign targets PHC company: an alleged extortionist at work

An individual, presenting himself as a journalist but primarily a television host, stands accused of engaging in blackmail. This tactic is reportedly employed through his television platform and social media channels to extort funds from political figures and business leaders. Following a recent smear campaign against State Minister Guy Loando Mboyo and Minister José Mpanda Kabangu, based on what was described as a fabricated investigation for which he allegedly received 100,000 USD, he is now purportedly targeting Vice Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Lihau and attempting to extort Minister Jean-Lucien Busa regarding the Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) case, which appears unequivocally clear.

In his video broadcasts, this so-called journalist, who is in fact a television presenter, has been attacking PHC, its leadership, shareholders, and several prominent Congolese public figures. His criticisms revolve around the Congolese State’s voluntary divestment from its shareholding in PHC, which occurred under Jean-Lucien Busa’s tenure as Minister of Portfolio.

Initially, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, misled by PHC’s detractors, instructed the State Minister of Justice to refer the matter to the courts. Acting as the representative of the Congolese State, the Justice Minister brought the case before the Tribunal de Commerce. The proceedings were registered under case number RRC 222. Following due process, the court issued an order affirming the validity and regularity of the Congolese State’s voluntary withdrawal from its PHC shareholding.

However, unwilling to accept this judicial decision, those opposing PHC, driven by envy and a desire to gain control over the company, reportedly enlisted the television host and alleged blackmailer for a destructive campaign against PHC and its executives. This arrangement was allegedly sealed for 50,000 USD.

In a statement released on Monday, July 6, PHC denounced the dissemination of false information against it. The company reiterated that it operates in strict compliance with the laws of the Democratic Republic of Congo, under the oversight of competent authorities, and in accordance with applicable governance rules.

PHC emphasized that any attempt to challenge the Tribunal de Commerce’s decision, which was initiated by the Congolese State itself, through unfounded allegations, disinformation campaigns, or slanderous remarks, cannot invalidate this judicial ruling.

While reaffirming its commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom, PHC nevertheless reminded that these liberties do not justify the propagation of serious, defamatory, and false accusations that harm the honor, reputation, and legitimate interests of the company, its leaders, shareholders, or any other concerned party.

The Plantations et Huileries du Congo stated in the document that it reserves the right to initiate all appropriate legal proceedings against the perpetrators, co-perpetrators, or anyone knowingly relaying defamatory statements or demonstrably false information, ensuring that each individual is held accountable for their actions before the competent courts.