French prosecutors have closed a case filed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Apple's European subsidiaries, which were accused of using conflict minerals in their supply chain. The Paris prosecutor's office determined that the allegations were not "sufficiently well-founded" to proceed, according to a document seen by a Western media outlet.
Prosecutors reportedly suggested that the DRC direct its complaint to an office with jurisdiction over war crimes.
Lawyers representing the DRC described the decision as a "very partial dismissal" and plan to challenge it, emphasizing the "extreme seriousness of the facts denounced and the need to identify and prosecute those responsible," the report noted.
Apple previously denied the DRC's allegations of money laundering and deceptive business practices, and instructed its suppliers not to use the contested minerals from the DRC or Rwanda.