According to reports, Congo has filed a criminal lawsuit against Apple (AAPL.US) for its subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the company of using minerals from armed groups or illegal mining operations in its supply chain.

Congo is an important source of minerals such as tin, tantalum, and tungsten, which are used in computers and mobile phones. Since Apple does not directly purchase the main minerals, the company stated it would conduct a review of its suppliers and make the investigation results public.

The lawyer representing Congo believes that Apple is using minerals plundered from Congo and laundered through international supply chains.