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By Pete Jones and Bienvenu Bakumanya KINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo is owed an estimated $3.7 billion in unpaid customs duties and fines by companies operating in its copper-rich Katanga province between 2008 and 2013, according to an unpublished report commissioned by the public prosecutor's office. The report, seen by Reuters and dated November 2013, is part of an ongoing government probe into suspected malpractice by customs agents and companies in the vast southeastern province. It accused companies there of under-declaring the value of imports and exports, and sometimes avoiding tax altogether, often with the collusion of customs officials. The head of the customs agency in Katanga also said proper consultations had not been held with the companies and the report's findings were exaggerated.More...