Amsterdam – A former holding company linked to US-sanctioned Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler has agreed to pay $30 million to resolve a Dutch corruption investigation centered on mining deals in the Democratic Republic of Congo, prosecutors announced Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The settlement brings a degree of closure to a probe that began in 2018, examining potential bribery related to securing access to valuable mineral resources.
The case focuses on Fleurette, a Netherlands-registered firm that served as the holding company for the Gertler group. Dutch authorities investigated whether Fleurette and commodities giant Glencore engaged in corrupt practices to obtain copper and cobalt concessions in the DRC. The $30 million payment represents a settlement with Dutch prosecutors, avoiding a full criminal trial. This development comes amid increasing international scrutiny of business dealings in resource-rich African nations and the potential for corruption to undermine economic development.
Details of the Dutch Investigation
The investigation, launched in 2018, centered on allegations that bribes were paid to secure favorable mining agreements in the DRC. According to prosecutors, the settlement with Fleurette acknowledges wrongdoing related to these deals. Whereas the specifics of the bribery allegations remain partially restricted, the case highlights the complexities of operating in the DRC’s mining sector, which has long been plagued by allegations of corruption and illicit financial flows. The Dutch probe specifically examined transactions involving copper and cobalt, key minerals used in electric vehicle batteries and other technologies.
Separately, documents submitted in an arbitration procedure implicate Gertler in potentially paying as much as $360 million in bribes to Congolese officials, according to a report by Bloomberg and Africa Confidential. These documents, which reached investigation authorities in the U.K. And the U.S., include an affidavit detailing how funds were allegedly used to pay senior public figures in the DRC. The affidavit reportedly outlines a $360,292,535 cash loan to a company used for these alleged payments.
Dan Gertler and US Sanctions
Dan Gertler, the Israeli billionaire at the center of these allegations, has been subject to US sanctions since December 2017. The US Treasury Department accused Gertler of using his close relationship with former DRC President Joseph Kabila to secure lucrative mining deals, often at the expense of the Congolese people. These sanctions have significantly impacted Gertler’s business interests and ability to conduct financial transactions internationally. The sanctions were imposed under the Global Magnitsky Act, which targets individuals involved in serious human rights abuse and corruption.
News24 reported on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, that the settlement amount totals R490 million, reflecting the exchange rate at the time of the agreement. News24 provides further details on the financial implications of the settlement.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
This settlement is likely to fuel further scrutiny of mining operations in the DRC and the role of international companies in combating corruption. The case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the extractive industries, particularly in countries with weak governance structures. The involvement of Glencore, a Swiss commodities giant, in the Dutch investigation also raises questions about the due diligence practices of multinational corporations operating in high-risk environments.
The documents implicating Gertler in potentially paying $360 million in bribes, as reported by I-AML, represent one of the largest sums of money an Israeli has ever been suspected of paying in bribes. The Serious Fraud Office in the UK received a request for legal assistance related to these allegations in 2019, highlighting the international scope of the investigation.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the focus will remain on ensuring accountability for alleged corruption and promoting responsible business practices in the DRC’s vital mining sector. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future investigations and encourage greater transparency in the industry.
What remains to be seen is whether further legal action will be taken against individuals or entities implicated in the alleged bribery scheme. The ongoing scrutiny of Dan Gertler’s business dealings and the broader implications for the DRC’s mining sector will continue to be closely monitored.
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