Three American citizens have been extradited to the United States to face charges related to their involvement in a failed coup attempt aimed at overthrowing the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
At a Glance
- Three Americans—Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Zalman-Polun—have been charged with participating in a coup attempt in the DRC
- A fourth American, Joseph Peter Moesser, is accused of providing explosives training and support for the plot
- The coup aimed to establish a new government called “New Zaire,” led by Christian Malanga, who was killed during the attempt
- The defendants allegedly conspired to provide weapons, explosives, and training to a rebel army
- If convicted, the men face severe penalties, including potential life imprisonment
Extradition and Charges
Three American men—Marcel Malanga, 22; Tyler Thompson Jr., 22; and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, 37—have been extradited from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the United States to face federal charges related to a failed coup attempt. A fourth individual, Joseph Peter Moesser, 67, alleged to be an explosives expert, has also been charged in connection with the plot.
The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a criminal complaint accusing the men of conspiring to provide material support to a rebel army with the intention of overthrowing the Congolese government, according to the Associated Press.
Watch Fox News’ report on the extradition and charges.
The Coup Plot
The alleged plan aimed to establish a new government, referred to as “New Zaire,” with Christian Malanga, Marcel’s father, as its president. Christian Malanga, who had previously lived in Utah and worked as a car dealer, returned to Congo to engage in political activities. He was killed during the coup attempt when armed rebels attacked the presidential palace in Kinshasa, as reported by the New York Post.
Prosecutors allege that the defendants conspired over several months, recruiting individuals, acquiring weapons—including drones and explosives—and conducting training sessions. Moesser is accused of providing explosives training at his residence in Utah, while Thompson, identified as a drone specialist, allegedly planned to use a drone-mounted flamethrower during the coup.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
The men face multiple charges, including conspiracy to provide material support and resources, conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to bomb government facilities, and conspiracy to kill or kidnap persons in a foreign country. These charges carry severe penalties, potentially leading to life imprisonment if convicted.
The Department of Justice has emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating that “the four defendants pose an extreme danger to the community and present an unmanageable risk of flight.” Prosecutors are seeking to detain all four men as the case proceeds.
This case underscores the complexities of international relations and the legal ramifications for U.S. citizens involved in foreign conflicts. The U.S. government continues to work closely with Congolese authorities to address the situation and ensure that justice is served.
