The United States is currently conducting a thorough investigation into a vast gold smuggling operation that originates in Colombia, passes through Venezuela, and ends in Guyana. This illicit activity sheds light on the intricate web of transnational crime and its implications for international relations.
The probe initially began under Guyana’s previous administration, led by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). However, according to former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, efforts to combat gold smuggling were disrupted following political changes. The return of the PPP to power in 2020 halted local initiatives by the APNU+AFC coalition, including a secretive intelligence-led operation aimed at tackling the illegal trade.
The US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control recently revealed the economic impact of the smuggling operation, with Mohamed’s Enterprise failing to declare over ten thousand kilograms of gold in import and export documents from 2019 to 2023. This omission resulted in more than $50 million in evaded duty taxes to the Government of Guyana, raising concerns about the potential financing of activities detrimental to US security interests.
US Ambassador Nicole Theriot emphasized the discreet nature of international investigations, highlighting the need for confidentiality to protect ongoing inquiries. The investigation also uncovered that the illicit gold trade had potential security ramifications, as the proceeds were suspected to fund activities hostile to US interests. This emphasizes the significance of international cooperation in addressing transnational crimes that span multiple jurisdictions.
