A television host, who falsely claims to be a journalist, has been identified as a specialist in blackmail. He leverages his TV platform and social media presence to extort money from prominent political figures and business leaders. Following a recent smear campaign against Minister of State Guy Loando Mboyo and Minister José Mpanda Kabangu, involving a fabricated investigation for which he allegedly received 100,000 USD, he is now reportedly targeting Vice Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Lihau and attempting to blackmail Minister Jean-Lucien Busa in the context of the PHC (Plantations et Huileries du Congo) case, which is remarkably clear.

In his online videos, this individual, who is in reality a TV presenter, launches attacks against PHC, its executives, shareholders, and several Congolese public figures. His accusations center on the voluntary withdrawal of the Congolese State from its shareholding in PHC, a process that occurred during Jean-Lucien Busa’s tenure as Minister of Portfolio.

Regarding this matter, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, initially misinformed by PHC’s detractors, had directed the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, to bring the case before the courts. Acting as the representative of the Congolese State, the Minister presented the case to the Commercial Court, where it was registered under RRC 222. After due process, the court issued an order confirming the validity and legality of the Congolese State’s voluntary divestment from its PHC shareholding.

However, those who oppose PHC, driven by envy and a strong desire to gain control over the company, have reportedly refused to accept this judicial decision. They have enlisted the services of the blackmailing TV presenter for a campaign designed to undermine the company and its leadership. This arrangement, as we understand, was finalized for 50,000 USD.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 6, PHC condemned the dissemination of false information targeting the company. The statement reiterated that PHC conducts its operations in strict compliance with the laws of the Democratic Republic of Congo, under the supervision of competent authorities, and in accordance with applicable governance standards.

PHC emphasized that any attempt to challenge the Commercial Court’s decision—a court, it stressed, that was approached by the Congolese State itself—through unfounded allegations, disinformation campaigns, or defamatory remarks, cannot invalidate this judicial ruling.

While reaffirming its commitment to freedom of expression and press, PHC nonetheless reminded the public that these freedoms do not justify the broadcast of serious, defamatory, and false accusations that harm the honor, reputation, and legitimate interests of the company, its executives, shareholders, or any other concerned party.

The Plantations et Huileries du Congo declared in its document that it reserves the right to pursue all appropriate legal actions against the perpetrators, co-perpetrators, or any individuals knowingly relaying defamatory statements or demonstrably false information, ensuring that all will be held accountable for their actions before the competent judicial bodies.