In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a systemic failure enables the recycling and laundering of seized wildlife contraband back into illegal markets. Despite regular seizures of ivory by authorities, the Democratic Republic of the Congo lacks a centralised management system for these confiscated items. Instead, ivory is dispersed across multiple government entities, including the Central Bank of Congo, ICCN patrol posts, customs offices, courts, police stations, and local environmental services. This decentralisation creates perfect conditions for corruption and theft. In December 2022, authorities in Uvira, South Kivu province, seized nearly half a ton of ivory (representing approximately 20 slaughtered elephants), but environmental defenders report that the ultimate destination of this ivory remains unknown, making it likely the contraband will re-enter the black market. Some seized ivory bears markings suggesting it was previously in government custody, confirming the circular nature of this problem. Some wildlife defenders are urging the government to strengthen security systems and begin destroying seized ivory through burning to prevent its return to illegal trade channels – although such actions have also been criticised as being ineffective or potentially problematic, for example, by creating scarcity in supply and circulation which may drive up demand, or by failing to address the root causes of poaching.