Kinshasa, DR Congo — A Diplomat from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been arrested in Bulgaria for attempting to smuggle 206 kilograms of cocaine, valued at an estimated €20 million. The diplomat, Jean de Dieu Muteba Mulumba, a 40-year-old Second Counsellor at the DRC Embassy to the Benelux countries, was detained on July 18, 2025, at the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint on the Bulgarian-Turkish border.

The Discovery and Arrest

Bulgarian authorities intercepted Muteba Mulumba after they found five suitcases filled with cocaine hidden among his personal belongings in a vehicle bearing diplomatic registration. The diplomat, who was traveling without authorization from the DRC embassy, was arrested along with a 54-year-old Belgian woman and a 43-year-old driver suspected to be the mastermind behind the smuggling operation.

Upon questioning, Muteba Mulumba reportedly claimed he believed he was transporting gold, not cocaine. Authorities, however, suspect he had made several similar trips to Turkey using diplomatic transport, raising concerns about possible exploitation of diplomatic immunity for illegal activities.

Official Response from the DRC Government

In response to the arrest, the DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing strong condemnation of the actions of the diplomat, emphasizing that the incident was “totally contrary to the values and ethics” of the DRC’s diplomatic service. The ministry vowed to take decisive action, announcing the following measures:

• Immediate recall of the diplomat and lifting of his immunity in light of the severity of the case.
• Formal notification to Bulgarian authorities of DRC’s commitment to fully cooperate in the investigation.
• A joint mission from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice to Sofia, Bulgaria, to monitor the case closely.

The government reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward the misuse of diplomatic privilege and vowed to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Scrutiny Over Diplomatic Status Abuse

This case has drawn significant attention to the potential misuse of diplomatic immunity in international narcotics trafficking. The DRC government has expressed its intent to shed full light on the incident, investigating whether there are broader issues related to diplomatic processes that could allow for such abuses.

The European Union and other international bodies have expressed concern over the use of diplomatic status for smuggling activities. Authorities are still investigating how diplomatic procedures were exploited and whether this marks the beginning of a broader pattern of misconduct involving embassy officials.

DRC’s Commitment to Transparency

While Jean de Dieu Muteba Mulumba is facing charges in Bulgaria, the DRC government has emphasized its full cooperation with the ongoing investigations. In its statement, the Ministry made it clear that this incident does not reflect the official stance of the DRC on diplomacy, stating that the case is an isolated incident that should not tarnish the reputation of the country’s foreign service.

The incident raises broader questions about the vulnerabilities in the use of diplomatic privileges and the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking at international borders.

As investigations unfold, the DRC government is taking proactive steps to address these concerns and ensure such abuses do not recur. The country’s authorities are also seeking assurances that measures will be implemented to tighten diplomatic procedures to prevent future illegal activities from being carried out under the guise of diplomacy.

Conclusion

This arrest has put a spotlight on the misuse of diplomatic immunity, sparking a strong diplomatic response from the DR Congo government. While the authorities continue to investigate the matter, the international community awaits clarity on how this case will affect the future of diplomatic immunity and its potential for abuse in transnational crime. The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency within diplomatic channels to prevent exploitation by individuals seeking to engage in illegal activities.