Swiss open criminal probe against metals refiner over Congo gold from war crimes

By The Associated Press

Posted Nov 6, 2013 03:51:35 AM.

This article is more than 5 years old.

GENEVA – Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation against one of the world’s largest processors of precious metals over allegations that it laundered gold obtained through war crimes.

Earlier this week the Geneva-based campaign group TRIAL filed a criminal complaint against Swiss refiner Argor-Heraeus, claiming the company processed three tons of gold ore obtained by armed groups through pillaging in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Federal Prosecutors’ Office in Bern confirmed Wednesday that it has examined the complaint and decided to open a formal probe against the company over suspected money laundering and complicity in war crimes.

Argor-Heraeus denies the allegations.

Keep it Factual

Add CityNews Kitchener as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Guelph police warn of local banking scam targeting seniors

Guelph Police Service have published a bulletin warning the public, particular local seniors, of a banking scam that has been targeting older individuals. According to police, multiple residents in...

20h ago

KW Art Gallery announces fundraiser for 70th anniversary

After 70 years of artwork in the Waterloo Region, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) has announced a new community fundraiser. They say the goal of the Art in Motion fundraiser is to gather...

57m ago

Cambridge Summer Live ends with Innuendo appearance

Now through two months of free summer concerts throughout Cambridge, Innuendo will be the band to close out Cambridge Summer Live. Sponsored through the Central Ontario Musician's Association, Cambridge...

2m ago

Security guard assaulted after asking man to leave business

A 26-year-old man from Kitchener was arrested by Waterloo Regional Police after officials say he assaulted a security guard in a Waterloo business. The incident happened on Aug. 28, just before 2:20...

23h ago

Top Stories

Guelph police warn of local banking scam targeting seniors

Guelph Police Service have published a bulletin warning the public, particular local seniors, of a banking scam that has been targeting older individuals. According to police, multiple residents in...

20h ago

KW Art Gallery announces fundraiser for 70th anniversary

After 70 years of artwork in the Waterloo Region, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) has announced a new community fundraiser. They say the goal of the Art in Motion fundraiser is to gather...

57m ago

Cambridge Summer Live ends with Innuendo appearance

Now through two months of free summer concerts throughout Cambridge, Innuendo will be the band to close out Cambridge Summer Live. Sponsored through the Central Ontario Musician's Association, Cambridge...

2m ago

Security guard assaulted after asking man to leave business

A 26-year-old man from Kitchener was arrested by Waterloo Regional Police after officials say he assaulted a security guard in a Waterloo business. The incident happened on Aug. 28, just before 2:20...

23h ago

Most Watched Today

3:05

Will Trump's move to rename Lake Ontario impact cross-border relations?

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. Parliament Hill Bureau Chief Cormac Mac Sweeney discusses Trump's motive and whether it will have any impact in ongoing trade talks.

August 27, 2026 4:56 pm EST EST

1:00

Ford responds to Trump's comments: 'Bring it on buddy!'

Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's personal attacks, doubling down on his comments to 'kiss his ass.'

August 24, 2026 4:03 pm EST EST

2:34

More than 3 dozen killed in Russian attack on Kyiv ammunitions warehouse

More than 30 people are dead following a Russian attack on an ammunitions warehouse in Kyiv. Karling Donoghue details the series of explosions that has left the country's President calling for a criminal investigation.

13h ago

2:59

Thousands, including Canadians, still missing in Nepal following catastrophic flash flood

31 Canadians are among the nearly 3,000 missing people in Nepal. Karling Donoghue looks at rescue operations on the ground and the humanitarian challenges the country is facing in the wake of Wednesday's devastating flash flood.

13h ago

2:26

Families of those missing in Nepal flash flooding hoping for answers from Canadian Government

Canadian families wait for answers on loved ones missing following flash flooding in Nepal, Alessandra Carneiro, reports.

August 28, 2026 8:28 pm EST EST