Why Is Dan Gertler Sanctioned? The Controversial Case Explained

The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Dan Gertler and more than 30 of his businesses in December 2017 and June 2018. They accused him of taking advantage of his close relationship with former Congo President Joseph Kabila to secure profitable mining deals.

This decision stemmed from allegations that Gertler used his influence to gain control of valuable mineral resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The U.S. government believed that these actions contributed to corruption and instability in the DRC, hindering its economic development and harming its people.

The sanctions imposed on Gertler and his businesses aimed to prevent him from accessing the U.S. financial system and conducting business with U.S. citizens. The U.S. Treasury Department believed that these measures were necessary to hold Gertler accountable for his alleged corrupt practices and to promote transparency and good governance in the DRC. The sanctions also served as a warning to other individuals and entities who might engage in similar practices.