SALT LAKE CITY — Four American citizens, three of them from Utah, are now facing federal charges in the United States following their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The men were returned to the U.S. on Tuesday, April 8, and now face a series of serious charges, including conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and plans to target foreign government officials.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the charges stem from a May 2024 incident in which the group allegedly attempted to violently overthrow the Congolese government. The group reportedly aimed to assassinate President Félix Tshisekedi and Deputy Prime Minister Vital Kamerhe as part of a plot to establish a new government under the now-deceased Christian Malanga — the father of one of the accused.
Who Are the Accused?
Among those charged are:
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Marcel Malanga, 22, of Utah
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Tyler Thompson, 22, also from Utah
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Benjamin Zalman-Polun, 37
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Joseph Peter Moesser, 67, of Utah
The first three individuals were previously sentenced to death in Congo, later reduced to life in prison. Their repatriation followed a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Congo tied to security and mineral negotiations.
The fourth man, Moesser, was recently arrested in Utah. Prosecutors allege he served as the group’s bomb-maker, crafting explosives intended for the coup attempt.
Charges and Allegations
The DOJ outlines a chilling plan in its complaint: the accused allegedly intended to carry out coordinated attacks using firearms and drones equipped with bombs and incendiary devices, including a flamethrower, to kill or severely injure individuals and destroy government properties.
Targets reportedly included the president’s official residence and the private home of Deputy Prime Minister Kamerhe. According to the DOJ, Malanga played a leadership role, referring to himself as “Chief of Staff of the Zaire Army,” while Thompson was described as a soldier and drone operator.
Tragically, six people died in the attack, including two Congolese police officers and a civilian.
The DOJ further alleges that Thompson and Malanga illegally transported firearms from the U.S. to Congo with the intent to commit violent crimes.
Legal Proceedings in the U.S.
The three men repatriated from Congo — Malanga, Thompson, and Zalman-Polun — are set to make their first court appearance in New York on Thursday. They will later join Moesser for further proceedings in Salt Lake City.
Attorneys for the accused say the coming weeks will focus on assessing the men’s well-being following nearly a year of incarceration abroad. Tyler Thompson’s lawyer, Skye Lazaro, emphasized that his return to the U.S. is the first step in preparing a legal defense.
“We’re grateful to have him back on American soil,” Lazaro said. “There’s a long road ahead, but now we can begin the process of advocating for him at home.”
Defense attorney Clayton Simms added that both Malanga and Thompson previously testified in Congo that they were coerced into participating in the coup under threat of death — a claim that may become a central issue during trial.
U.S. Government Reaction
While condemning the violent events of May 19, U.S. officials have also emphasized the importance of ensuring due process for the accused Americans. A State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, noted the U.S. supports accountability while also seeking fair and humane treatment for its citizens abroad.
“We strongly condemn the armed attacks and support the DRC’s efforts to bring justice,” Bruce stated. “At the same time, we are committed to ensuring these individuals receive a fair legal process.”
As the investigation moves forward, the federal case is expected to draw national attention, not only for the severity of the charges but also for its international scope and the complex diplomatic context surrounding it.
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