By Ilayda Cakirtekin
ISTANBUL (AA) - Three Chinese citizens have been sentenced to seven years in prison for the illegal exploitation of minerals in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The court sentenced the men late Tuesday for the illegal purchase and possession of minerals in Bukavu, capital of the gold-rich South Kivu province, according to daily Le Potentiel.
The Chinese nationals were also fined $600,000 for money laundering and illegal residence in Congo.
On Jan. 4, they were arrested with 10 gold bars and $400,000.
This arrest followed the apprehension of 17 Chinese citizens on Dec. 20 for illegal mining in the Walungu territory of South Kivu.
Fifteen were later extradited back to their country.