The Inquiry The Inquiry

Can the illicit gold trade be stopped?

Jul 21, 2026 · 24m

Summary

This BBC World Service episode investigates whether the illicit gold trade, which finances conflicts in Sudan and Colombia, can be stopped. Experts discuss how gold’s fungibility and rising value attract criminal gangs and insurgent groups. The discussion covers the shift from drug trafficking to gold mining and proposes targeting financiers and improving supply chain due diligence to curb the trade.

Topics discussed

Sponsor message and podcast introduction EU gold ban and the rise of illicit trade Gold's properties and role as a conflict financier Gold mining in Africa and smuggling routes Sponsor break and archive promotion Illicit gold mining in Colombia vs cocaine International efforts to stop illicit gold trade Credits and Witness History promo
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