Three Americans repatriated to the United States from Congo this week have been charged with participating in an elaborate coup attempt aimed at overthrowing the African nation’s government last year.
The U.S. Justice Department confirmed the trial proceedings to reporters on Wednesday.
A fourth man, alleged by prosecutors to be an expert in explosives, was also charged with aiding the plot.
The criminal charges stem from the same allegations that led to three of the defendants being detained in Congo and sentenced to death. Reports indicate that the sentences for the three American citizens were later committed to life imprisonment before the men were ultimately transferred into U.S. custody on Tuesday to face charges in an American court.
According to reports, the transfer followed ongoing deliberations between the U.S. and Congolese authorities in exchange for security support.
Tyler Thompson Jr. and Benjamin Reuben are believed to have been led by Marcel Malaga, who is widely known as the Chief of Staff of the Zaire Army.
The three are expected to make their first appearance in Brooklyn on June 7, where they will be prosecuted and judgment pronounced.
