Tue 09 November 2021:
Portugal has conducted a series of raids as part of an investigation into diamond smuggling by suspect UN troops.
Portuguese soldiers are suspected of smuggling diamonds, narcotics, and gold from the Central African Republic back into Europe.
Central African Republic is rich in gold, diamonds and other minerals, but beset by poverty, conflict and sectarian violence.
Police said they had carried out a major crackdown on a criminal network that used the soldiers as “couriers” to transport the items on military aircraft.
Ten people were arrested following raids at approximately 100 locations throughout Portugal, according to a statement.
The investigation was focused on “a criminal network with international connections that derived illicit income from diamond smuggling and drug trafficking”.
“What is at issue at the moment is the possibility that some of the soldiers who took part in the National Force detached to the CAR were used as couriers in the trafficking of diamonds, gold, and narcotics”.
The command of a detachment force first warned authorities in December 2019, according to the police and armed forces.
The issue, according to Portuguese Defense Minister Joo Gomes Cravinho, is “deeply regrettable.”
Cravinho stated that the probe was reported to the UN by the Portuguese government last year.
“An investigation is underway to determine what happened and to take the exemplary measures that need to be taken,” added Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
A total of 180 Portuguese soldiers are deployed in CAR as peacekeepers. The UN mission there is known by its French acronym, Minusca.
FILE PHOTO
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