An individual, presenting himself as a journalist but operating primarily as a television host, has developed a reputation for blackmail. This tactic is reportedly deployed across his media platforms and social networks to extort funds from prominent political figures and corporate executives.

Following a recent smear campaign against State Minister Guy Loando Mboyo and Minister José Mpanda Kabangu, involving a fabricated investigation that allegedly yielded 100,000 USD, the same individual is now reportedly targeting Vice Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Lihau and attempting to blackmail Minister Jean-Lucien Busa. The current focus is the case of Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), a matter widely considered transparent and straightforward.

In his online videos, this self-proclaimed journalist, who is truly a TV presenter, launches attacks against PHC, its leadership, shareholders, and several Congolese public figures. His accusations revolve around the Congolese State’s voluntary withdrawal from its shareholding in PHC, a process overseen by Jean-Lucien Busa during his tenure as Minister of Portfolio.

Initially misled by PHC’s detractors, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa had instructed the Minister of State for Justice to bring this matter before the courts. Acting as the representative of the Congolese State, the Minister of Justice filed the case with the Commercial Court, registered under RRC 222. After due process, the court issued an order affirming the validity and legality of the Congolese State’s voluntary divestment from its PHC shareholding.

However, those opposed to PHC, driven by envy and a desire for control over the company, reportedly refused to accept the court’s decision. They subsequently engaged the services of the TV presenter-turned-blackmailer for a campaign designed to undermine PHC and its management. This arrangement was reportedly finalized for a sum of 50,000 USD.

In a statement released on Monday, July 6th, PHC vehemently condemned the dissemination of false information against it. The company reiterated its commitment to operating strictly within the laws of the Democratic Republic of Congo, under the supervision of competent authorities, and in full compliance with applicable governance regulations.

PHC emphasized that any attempt to challenge the Commercial Court’s decision—a decision, it stressed, resulting from a case initiated by the Congolese State itself—through unfounded allegations, disinformation campaigns, or slanderous remarks, would not invalidate the judicial ruling.

While reaffirming its dedication to freedom of expression and press freedom, PHC cautioned 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 involved party.

The Plantations et Huileries du Congo declared in its statement that it reserves the right to initiate all appropriate legal proceedings against the perpetrators, co-perpetrators, or any individual knowingly relaying defamatory statements or demonstrably false information, ensuring accountability for their actions before the competent courts.