Belgian Authorities Probe Apple Over 'Blood Minerals' Allegations

According to a report by the Financial Times, Belgian authorities have initiated an investigation into Apple Inc. concerning the alleged use of 'blood minerals' sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This move underscores the seriousness with which the case is being taken, as highlighted by Christophe Marchand, the lawyer behind the case in Belgium.

In December, legal representatives from the DRC lodged a criminal complaint against Apple's subsidiaries in Belgium and France. They accused the tech giant of utilizing minerals supplied by armed groups responsible for atrocities in eastern Congo in the manufacturing of their electronic devices. The complaint further alleges a significant operation of laundering and greenwashing by Apple. Despite these serious allegations, Apple has firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating it 'strongly disputes' the claims.