By 
This press release follows the recent news circulating on social media regarding the seizure of Vodacom’s accounts and the sealing of its premises. Indeed, on December 6 and 7, 2022, the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) officials came to our technical, commercial, and administrative offices and proceeded to put the seals in place.
This follows a procedure related to the fiscal audit for 2016-2019 initiated by the DGI, which resulted in an adjustment of USD 243 million on 16 July 2021. Subsequently, Vodacom, in accordance with the relevant tax legislation and procedures, contested the said adjustment by exploiting all the administrative remedies that led the Tax Administration on 16 August 2022 to the notification of a decision of partial relief by maintaining taxes of the order of USD 165 million.
At this stage of the proceedings, Vodacom requested, on 13 September 2022, from the Minister of Finances the review of the said decision on the one hand, and appealed to the judicial authorities on 4 and 15 November 2022. However, and against all expectations, the DGI has instead initiated bulk actions of forced recovery of the unadjusted sum; going so far as sealing the offices of Vodacom and the freezing of its bank accounts, in flagrant violation of and in disregard of the legal procedures set out in Articles 72 and 110 of Law No. 004/2003 of 13 March 2003 as amended and completed to date.
Despite these deplorable facts, Vodacom continues to use all the means of recourse provided by the legislation in force to ensure that the law is established and is awaiting the outcome of the procedures underway before the various competent judicial and administrative bodies.
Vodacom reassures the public that all appropriate measures have been taken to ensure the continuity of its services to its customers.
Vodacom reminds the public and all authorities that it is and remains a good corporate citizen, respectful of the laws and regulations in force in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as its services always show a high sense of fiscal civic-mindedness and that it rigorously applies the policy of good governance, respect for the rule of law and transparency.
We will keep you informed of any developments in the situation.
