Congo-Based Indian Businessman Accused of Embezzlement

Prominent businessman of Indian descent Harish Jagtani, who is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was arrested in Jaipur about a multi-million dollar embezzlement scandal that rocked the African country in November 2021. There are claims that between 2013 and 2018, Jagtani benefited from money that was embezzled from the government of Congo. Through a division of BGFI Bank Groupe SA, the embezzled money was transferred to businesses and accounts owned by Jagtani and other relatives and cronies of former president Joseph Kabila. Investigations show that Jagtani’s claims that the money he received was used for legal reasons are unfounded. The case has attracted a lot of attention; anti-corruption organizations and media outlets have covered the incident, called the “Congo Hold-up,” in great detail. Over the past 25 years, Jagtani has become well-known in Congo, where he owns many businesses, including hospitals, real estate companies, and air freight companies. However, he is currently facing significant accusations of theft and financial irregularities.