DR Congo IGF Probe: Ultimate Responds to Petroleum Import Grievances

The General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been investigating petroleum imports in the Southern zone since February 2026, under mission order OM007/2026, with Ultimate having submitted its responses to the allegations against it.

This ongoing investigation by the IGF into petroleum imports highlights the DRC government's commitment to combating fraud and ensuring fiscal compliance in strategic sectors. For businesses involved in the import and distribution of petroleum products, it signals a heightened regulatory risk and the need for meticulous record-keeping and adherence to customs and tax regulations. The public focus on "APCSC" (an unspecified entity or issue) and the mention of "griefs" (grievances/allegations) against Ultimate suggest potential irregularities or non-compliance issues that could lead to significant financial penalties or legal action.

The investigation falls under the mandate of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), a state body tasked with auditing public finances and ensuring the proper management of state revenues. Its powers include conducting investigations into financial irregularities, corruption, and non-compliance with tax and customs laws. The legal framework governing petroleum imports in the DRC includes the Hydrocarbons Code (Law No. 15/012 of 2015), customs legislation (e.g., Customs Code), and various tax laws. Companies involved in such imports are subject to specific licensing, declaration, and payment obligations. The "ordre de mission" (mission order) is the formal instrument authorizing the IGF's investigation.

The key parties involved are the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) as the investigating authority and Ultimate as the company that has submitted its responses to the allegations. The excerpt also mentions "APCSC," which is a focal point of the public debate but not further identified. The investigation concerns petroleum imports in the Southern zone of the DRC.

Attorneys representing companies in the petroleum sector, particularly those involved in imports, should advise their clients to conduct thorough internal audits of their compliance with customs, tax, and hydrocarbons regulations. They should prepare for potential inquiries from the IGF, ensuring all documentation related to imports, pricing, and tax payments is readily available and accurate. The repeated "relances" (reminders/follow-ups) from the IGF indicate persistence in their investigations, underscoring the importance of timely and comprehensive responses to regulatory queries. This case serves as a reminder of the IGF's active role in enforcing financial discipline across key economic sectors.