The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed criminal charges in France and Belgium against subsidiaries of the hi-tech behemoth Apple, accusing it of incorporating conflict minerals into its supply chain.

According to BBC News, lawyers acting on behalf of the Congolese government have argued that Apple is complicit in crimes committed by armed groups that control some of the mines in the east of DR Congo.

Apple has said it "strongly disputes" the claims and that it is "deeply committed to responsible sourcing" of minerals.

The authorities in France and Belgium will now look at whether there is enough evidence to take the legal action further.

In a statement, the lawyers for the DR Congo talked about Apple's supply chain being contaminated with "blood minerals."

They allege that the tin, tantalum and tungsten is taken from conflict areas and then "laundered through international supply chains."

"These activities have fueled a cycle of violence and conflict by financing militias and terrorist groups and have contributed to forced child labor and environmental devastation," the statement went on to say.

Apple rejected the accusations saying it holds its "suppliers to the highest standards in industry."