Two companies, Ray’s Holdings Group and Civilia Corp—both linked to French businessman Guy Hazout—filed a lawsuit against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in April 2026. The plaintiffs are seeking $51 million, alleging non-payment for ambulance supply contracts.
The legal action, filed in the New York Supreme Court, concerns two separate contracts that the plaintiffs claim were never honored by the Congolese state.
2018 Contract (Ray’s Holdings Group)
This agreement was signed with the then-Minister of Health, Oly Ilunga Kalenga, for the delivery of 80 Mercedes-Benz ambulances. These vehicles were intended to support medical efforts during the Ebola outbreak. Hazout claims to have spent $6.8 million to secure the order but maintains that the government never paid the agreed-upon sum of $10 million.
2023 Contract (Civilia Corp)
A second contract for 11 ambulances was signed for the Jeux de la Francophonie (Francophone Games). This contract, valued at $2.2 million, was allegedly blocked by the Minister of Finance at the time, Nicolas Kazadi.
Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement
Hazout and his legal team accuse several Congolese officials of obstructing payments and soliciting bribes. The plaintiffs claim that:
Eteni Longondo (former Minister of Health) and other government members allegedly demanded favors in exchange for signing the contract. Longondo has firmly denied these “false allegations.”
Ministers allegedly embezzled the budget specifically allocated for these medical vehicles.
Former Finance Minister Nicolas Kazadi reportedly preferred to award the 2023 contract to HJ Hospitals. owned by businessman Harish Jagtani. HJ Hospitals offered cheaper, immediately available ambulances ($87,000 per unit compared to $140,000 from Hazout).
Financial Demands
The companies are seeking the original contract amounts plus significant financial penalties. The plaintiffs are requesting triple the amount originally agreed upon as damages, bringing the total claim to $51 million.
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