Burundi’s anti-corruption watchdog OLUCOME has raised questions over approximately €2.4 million reportedly due to be withdrawn from the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) and transferred to Poland, China and Hong Kong.
In statements published on its social media account, the Observatory for the Fight Against Corruption and Economic Malpractice (OLUCOME) said the amount included approximately €814,000 previously reported in connection with a case involving funds allegedly stolen from the central bank.
The organization called for those responsible for the alleged financial misconduct to be identified and the money recovered. However, the information it published does not establish whether the full €2.4 million was transferred, who the intended beneficiaries were or whether the transactions were completed.
OLUCOME raised the issue during a news conference in Bujumbura on Monday, Oct. 19, focused on governance, the fight against corruption and economic malpractice.
Earlier loss involving a transfer to Poland
The reported amount comes amid scrutiny of the loss of €814,957.821 from the BRB. Previous reporting attributed the loss to a cyberattack that resulted in a transfer to a bank in Poland.
OLUCOME President Gabriel Rufyiri has questioned aspects of the explanation, including information concerning documents bearing the name of REGIDESO, Burundi’s state-owned water and electricity utility, that were allegedly used in connection with a purported equipment purchase in Poland.
The case has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the transfer, the use of the documents and the identification of those responsible. The available information does not establish whether the additional transfers cited by OLUCOME are directly linked to that case.
Questions over accountability
OLUCOME is demanding that the money it says was embezzled be recovered. The allegations raise questions about the authorization of the reported transfers, their intended purpose and the safeguards governing the movement of funds held by the central bank.
OLUCOME has also raised concerns over a separate gold transaction. The organization said more than 364,000 grams of gold, valued at over $2.174 million, had been returned to Burundi after reportedly being deemed low-grade on the Dubai market.
It cited a BRB purchase report dated June 2, 2025, identified as report No. 711/718, which it said recorded gold content ranging from 93.4% to 95.09% for purchases from seven cooperatives.
The available information does not establish a direct link between the gold transaction and the reported €2.4 million in transfers.
The allegations could not be independently verified at the time of publication. The BRB was yet to respond to or confirm the reported transfers. OLUCOME’s claims, including the amount involved and the intended recipients, remain subject to verification.
