Global brands ‘likely’ using mineral that funds rebels accused of atrocities in DRC, investigation finds

The Guardian UK Wednesday 10 June 2026, 05:00 UTC By Mark Townsend 1 min read

Key Points

Amazon and Sony among firms that may have sourced coltan, used in phones, from supply chains controlled by the M23 rebels, says Global WitnessLeading global brands including Amazon, Ericsson and Sony are “likely” to have sourced minerals linked to a militia accused of widespread sexual violence, summary executions and torture, a new investigation claims. The companies allegedlybut unknowingly, acquired coltan smuggled from mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that are occupied...

Amazon and Sony among firms that may have sourced coltan, used in phones, from supply chains controlled by the M23 rebels, says Global Witness

Leading global brands including Amazon, Ericsson and Sony are “likely” to have sourced minerals linked to a militia accused of widespread sexual violence, summary executions and torture, a new investigation claims.

The companies allegedlybut unknowingly, acquired coltan smuggled from mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that are occupied by the M23 militia, which has committed myriad atrocities in eastern DRC.

DRC (LOCATION) Amazon (ORG) Sony (ORG) M23 (ORG) Global WitnessLeading (PERSON) Ericsson (ORG) the Democratic Republic of the Congo (LOCATION)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

Global brands ‘likely’ using mineral that funds rebels accused of atrocities in DRC, investigation finds

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