Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A Brussels court has ordered Belgian biometrics company Semlex and 13 other defendants to stand trial over alleged corruption, money laundering, and tax fraud linked to a contract to produce biometric passports in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The case is significantly watched from The Gambia because Semlex previously operated a major government identification project in the country, producing biometric national identity cards, residence permits, and electronic driving licences.
According to Reuters, Belgium’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Semlex and an unspecified number of its employees were among those referred to the criminal court. The allegations have not been proven in court.
The decision was made on Monday by Brussels’ Council Chamber following a 2020 civil action brought by 51 Congolese citizens and anti-corruption organisations seeking to join an existing criminal investigation.
The civil parties allege that nearly $60 million was diverted through the Congo passport scheme. Reuters reported in 2017 that the cost of Congolese passports under the Semlex arrangement rose to about $185, with $60 from each passport reportedly going to a company linked to a relative of then-President Joseph Kabila. Authorities have not conclusively established a connection between that company and Kabila.
Semlex’s Gambian operations
Semlex entered The Gambian identification sector through an agreement with the government to develop and operate a biometric identification system. Company records show that its Gambian portfolio included electronic and biometric national identity cards, residence permits and electronic driving licences.
An investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) reported that a 2016 agreement gave Semlex a 70 percent share of profits, with the Gambian government receiving the remaining 30 percent. The arrangement covered the development and operation of biometric identification and border-control systems.
The contract later became controversial, with questions raised over its financial structure and the control of citizens’ identity data.
Semlex eventually ceased producing official Gambian documents after its agreement expired, with the company saying the transfer of operations to the government was completed on March 22, 2024.
Congo case trial could test Belgium’s anti-corruption record
The Congo case follows years of criticism of Belgium over the enforcement of its laws against corruption involving foreign public officials.
The civil parties described the court referral as a major step, saying it could lead to what they believe would be the first trial of a Belgian company over alleged bribery of foreign public officials. Reuters said it could not independently confirm that this would be the first such trial.
Congolese human rights activist Fred Bauma, one of the civil claimants, said the proceedings would provide an opportunity to establish how public money was used.
Semlex did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment. The company said in 2017 that it was the subject of a smear campaign.
The Belgian proceedings concern its passport contract in the DRC, where Semlex produced passports between 2015 and 2025. Reuters said the date of the trial has not yet been determined.
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