In a recent development, three American citizens were brought back to the U.S. from the Democratic Republic of Congo and now face charges for participating in an elaborate plan to overthrow the government of the African nation last year. U.S. authorities have accused them of engaging in a coup attempt against the Congolese government, as reported by the U.S. Justice Department.
A fourth individual, allegedly skilled in explosive materials, has also been charged for his involvement in supporting the coup. These legal actions stem from allegations that previously resulted in the three men being detained in Congo, where they initially received death penalties. Those sentences were later reduced to life imprisonment. On Tuesday, they were transferred into the custody of the United States to face charges domestically. Their return coincides with efforts by Congolese officials to secure a minerals agreement with the U.S., aiming for security aid to tackle rebel forces in the country’s troubled eastern region.
The unsealed criminal complaint filed by U.S. prosecutors follows an extensive FBI investigation, which alleges the men were plotting to provide arms, explosives, and other forms of aid to a rebel faction aiming to depose the current government. This group aspired to set up a new regime, named New Zaire, with Christian Malanga as its potential leader.
Twenty-two-year-old Marcel Malanga, son of the late opposition leader Christian Malanga who initiated the coup attempt targeting Kinshasa’s presidential palace, is among those charged. The elder Malanga is noted for broadcasting live from the palace during the coup, before ultimately being fatally shot while resisting capture by Congolese forces. Marcel, identified as the ‘Chief of Staff of the Zaire army,’ assumed a leadership role within the rebel forces. The older Malanga, self-described on his website as a refugee who settled in the U.S. in the 1990s, was involved in selling used cars and gold mining before involving his Utah-born son in the attempted coup. Earlier in 2001, he was convicted in Utah for assault with a firearm, while other charges in different cases were dismissed.
Accompanying Marcel in repatriation were Tyler Thompson Jr., 22, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, 37. Their first court appearance is anticipated in Brooklyn, while Joseph Peter Moesser, identified as an explosion specialist, is due in court in Salt Lake City. He is accused of arranging explosive training and providing weapons at his Utah residence as part of the scheme. Tyler Thompson’s legal representative has stated no additional information is available, and legal representatives for the other defendants were not listed.
The men face serious charges, including conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, plot to assault government facilities, and to harm or abduct individuals on foreign land. These charges could lead to significant prison terms, dependent on the outcomes of a potential grand jury trial.
The Justice Department’s complaint unveiled insights into a meticulously orchestrated attempt that planned to topple Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in May 2024. This action resulted in at least six deaths, including that of Christian Malanga. The complaint describes a detailed timeline of activities, ranging from recruiting American allies, and acquiring drones and military firearms, to extensive firearms training. It also accuses the men of commandeering a bus and seizing a Congolese police station for weapon acquisition.
In statements to a Congolese judge, Marcel Malanga claimed threats from his father to join the coup attempt. Messages with Malanga’s associates hinted at large financial incentives for participating in what was described as a mysterious security mission in Congo.
Justice officials are pressing for the detention of all four accused during ongoing legal proceedings, considering them to pose significant risks to the community and being potential flight risks. Noteworthy is Moesser’s prior legal trouble, having attempted to tamper with an aircraft departing from Salt Lake City, which previously resulted in a probation sentence.
Among those charged, Thompson is noted for his expertise in drones, reportedly aiming to augment them with a flamethrower. His family had earlier believed he was on his first overseas holiday, funded by Christian Malanga. They, together with Marcel, were reportedly seen testing drones and practicing shooting in Salt Lake City before leaving for Africa.
Prosecutors indicate Moesser’s involvement with providing incendiary devices and tactical support, suggesting coordination with Christian Malanga for weapon and explosive deliveries to Congo. The case documentation also reveals Zalman-Polun’s travel to Utah to assist in soldier recruitment for the insurgency, with aspirations to secure a prominent role in a successful coup.
Visual evidence from social media platforms places three of the defendants at the coup location, corroborated by live videos from Christian Malanga himself.
The legal process continues to unfold, with the U.S. authorities committed to addressing these serious allegations against the individuals involved.