Botswana security services are investigating allegations that a number of former state employees and members of the southern African country's economic elite conspired to illegally sell rough diamonds that were mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Diamond Intelligence reports.
The vehicles of the suspected members diamond smuggling cartel have been impounded and their houses have been cordoned off while they are questioned about their involvement in the alleged illegal activities. Major consumer purchases, seemingly beyond the means of even these well-to-do citizens, attracted the attention of the country's tax revenue service.
The Gaborone socialites are suspected of using the government's license to broker diamonds to launder gems that were mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Botswana's President Ian Khama only days ago spoke publicly of his government's commitment to vanquishing the illegaldiamond trade being conducted within the country's borders, according to Diamond Intelligence.
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