Democratic Republic of the Congo-related Designations; Issuance of Amended Russia-related General License and Frequently Asked Questions

Treasury Press Release: Treasury Sanctions Rwandan Gold Refinery and Network Enabling Illicit Conflict Minerals Trade

State Press Release: United States Sanctions Networks Fueling Conflict and Mineral Theft in Eastern DRC

Additions:

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

OFAC Program: DRCONGO Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions

KALIMA KAREKEZI, Jean Malic

• Address: Kigali, Rwanda
• DOB: 25 May 1963
• POB: Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Nationality: Rwanda
• Gender: Male
• Passport: PC638680 (Rwanda) expires 06 May 2031
• National ID No.: 1196380005387371 (Rwanda)
• Party Type: Individual
• Linked To: GASABO GOLD REFINERY LTD

Supplemental Information: Per Treasury, Jean Malic Kalima is the Chairman of Gasabo Gold Refinery and also controls the Rwandan mining companies Bugambira Mines LTD, Wolfram Mining and Processing LTD, and Rwinkwavu Mining Corporation LTD. Kalima was designated pursuant to E.O. 13413, as amended, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Gasabo Gold. (Note: OFAC’s SDN listing gives the primary name as “KALIMA KAREKEZI, Jean Malic”; Treasury’s and State’s press releases refer to him as “Jean Malic Kalima.”)

KAYOBOTSI, Bosco

• Address: Kigali, Rwanda
• DOB: 25 Aug 1985
• POB: Masisi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Nationality: Rwanda
• Gender: Male
• Passport: PC648741 (Rwanda) expires 01 Aug 2031
• National ID No.: 1198580022378192 (Rwanda)
• Party Type: Individual
• Linked To: GASABO GOLD REFINERY LTD

Supplemental Information: Per Treasury, Bosco Kayobotsi runs the day-to-day operations of Gasabo Gold Refinery as General Manager. Kayobotsi was designated pursuant to E.O. 13413, as amended, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Gasabo Gold.

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

OFAC Program: DRCONGO Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions

BUGAMBIRA MINES LTD

• AKA: MULTISERVE CONSULTS LTD
• Address: Kigali, Rwanda
• Website: http://www.bugambiramines.rw
• Organization Established Date: 20 Jun 2006
• Organization Type: Mining and Quarrying
• Party Type: Entity
• Linked To: KALIMA KAREKEZI, Jean Malic

Supplemental Information: Per Treasury, Bugambira Mines is one of three Rwandan mining companies controlled by Jean Malic Kalima, and was designated pursuant to E.O. 13413, as amended, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Kalima.

GASABO GOLD REFINERY LTD

• Address: Kigali, Rwanda
• Website: ggr.co.rw
• Organization Established Date: 26 May 2022
• Organization Type: Mining of other non-ferrous metal ores
• Company Number: 120323055 (Rwanda)
• Party Type: Entity
• Linked To: M23

Supplemental Information: Per Treasury, Gasabo Gold Refinery has acted as a key partner to Rwandan government officials and M23 rebels in sourcing and transporting gold out of eastern DRC. Following removal of gold from mines in RDF/M23-occupied areas in South Kivu, RDF soldiers and M23 rebels ensured safe transport of the gold to Rusizi District, Rwanda, and onward to Gasabo Gold in Kigali, where refinement began. Treasury states that in early 2026 at least 60 kg of gold, representing millions of dollars in value, was moved from eastern DRC to Gasabo Gold through this scheme. Treasury also notes the European Union previously designated Gasabo Gold for its role in transporting illegally extracted gold from the DRC. Gasabo Gold was designated pursuant to E.O. 13413, as amended, both for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided support to M23, and for being responsible for or complicit in support to persons involved in activities threatening the peace, security, or stability of the DRC through the illicit trade in natural resources.

RWINKWAVU MINING CORPORATION LTD

• Address: Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
• Organization Type: Mining and Quarrying
• Party Type: Entity
• Linked To: KALIMA KAREKEZI, Jean Malic

Supplemental Information: Per Treasury, Rwinkwavu Mining is one of three Rwandan mining companies controlled by Jean Malic Kalima, and was designated pursuant to E.O. 13413, as amended, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Kalima.

WOLFRAM MINING AND PROCESSING LTD

• Address: Kigali, Rwanda
• Website: http://www.wmprwanda.rw
• Organization Established Date: 22 Dec 2006
• Organization Type: Mining and Quarrying
• Party Type: Entity
• Linked To: KALIMA KAREKEZI, Jean Malic

Supplemental Information: Per Treasury, Wolfram Mining is one of three Rwandan mining companies controlled by Jean Malic Kalima, and was designated pursuant to E.O. 13413, as amended, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Kalima.