12:55 PM EDT, 04/25/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Apple ( AAPL ) was accused by the Democratic Republic of Congo of sourcing illegally exported minerals from the country's war-torn east, the Financial Times reported Thursday, citing a letter by the government's lawyers to Apple ( AAPL ) Chief Executive Tim Cook.

The letter says that Apple ( AAPL ) allegedly relies on suppliers based in Rwanda and its products including iPhone, Mac computers and accessories were "tainted by the blood of the Congolese people."

Apple ( AAPL ) claims that it verifies the origins of materials used, however, the lawyers reportedly denied the company's claim saying it is not based on concrete and verifiable evidence.

Apple ( AAPL ) did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Price: 169.14, Change: +0.11, Percent Change: +0.07