Dikembe Mutombo’s involvement in the attempted sale of over 1,000 pounds of gold and its exportation out of the Congo, his home country, is detailed in a complex Houston Chronicle report that is sure to raise questions about the former star center’s integrity. Beyond his defensive prowess on the basketball court, Mutombo is known for his humanitarian efforts, especially in his native Africa, but this story may change some opinions.
Mutombo, according to a United Nations report cited by the Chronicle, approached Houston oil executive Kase Lawal about buying over four tons of gold that he and his family possessed. The gold would generate over $10 million, which would be divided three ways—40 percent to Lawal, 30 percent to Mutombo and 30 percent to Carlos St. Mary, whose help was enlisted by Lawal.
According to the report, “Because of an internal ban on mining and exports, imposed to try to stop the main revenue source for the mafia-like militias that controlled them, the gold could not be taken to market in usual ways. What Mutombo needed was somebody with money, connections and the ability to put a deal together.” That person was Lawal.
St. Mary, who has “experience in trading Third World minerals,” told The Chronicle that he suspected there was something fishy about the deal, but Mutombo assured him repeatedly that everything would go off without a hitch.
Kenya, but Lawal’s Gulfstream V jet was seized on the tarmac at an airport in Goma, a city on Congo’s eastern border, and several people—with one notable exception—were arrested.
The one who got away? Mutombo’s cousin, Reagan Mutombo.
Writes The Chronicle, “The failed smuggling plot drew global attention. But conspicuously absent from publicity surrounding the incident was any mention of the part played by Mutombo.”
“I have nothing to say,” Mutombo said when asked about his involvement. Lawal also declined to comment.
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