A criminal complaint was unsealed in the District of Utah today, charging four U.S. citizens—Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson, Benjamin Zalman-Polun, and Joseph Peter Moesser—with serious offenses related to an armed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The charges include conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, using weapons of mass destruction, bombing government facilities, and conspiracy to kill or kidnap persons in a foreign country.
The complaint alleges that the defendants conspired to carry out a coup d'etat targeting DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Deputy Prime Minister Vital Kamerhe. Attacks targeted the Palais de la Nation and Kamerhe's residence, resulting in deaths, including two police officers and a civilian.
Christian Malanga, although deceased, was identified as the intended leader of a newly proposed government, New Zaire. Marcel Malanga assumed the position of "Chief of Staff of the Zaire army" within the rebel forces. The defendants allegedly engaged in multiple activities to support their mission, such as recruitment, training, and procurement of military equipment, communication devices, and incendiary weapons. They further planned attacks using drones with bombs and flamethrower devices.
The defendants face significant potential penalties, including life imprisonment for the most severe charges. The FBI, in collaboration with other agencies, continues to investigate the case, which is being prosecuted by a team of U.S. attorneys.
Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti announced the charges alongside Sue J. Bai of the U.S. Justice Department and Mehtab Syed from the FBI. The case benefits from international cooperation and expertise in counterterrorism.
As the legal process unfolds, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.