Apple accused of using conflict minerals and deceiving customers
Apple is facing criminal complaints filed in Belgium and France by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC accuses Apple of using conflict minerals (also known as "blood minerals") in its supply chain. These minerals are sourced from illegal mines that use child labor and fund armed conflicts.
The complaint alleges that Apple's French subsidiaries covered up war crimes, laundered tainted minerals, handled stolen goods, and misled customers about the source of their minerals.
In April 2023, evidence was sent to Apple CEO Tim Cook showing that conflict minerals were still entering the company's supply chain despite audits meant to prevent this.
Apple did not publicly comment on the allegations but told the US Securities and Exchange Commission last year that its supply chain was free from conflict minerals.
