UNODC through PCBT-AIRCOP strengthens the regional fight against gold trafficking
in West and Central Africa
In West and Central Africa, a vast precious metals and gold trafficking network has emerged over the years in conflict and high-risk areas, generating billions of dollars for armed groups and criminal networks operating in the region. Unlike other metals and minerals from conflict zones, gold in particular is often more difficult to control because it is rather easy to smuggle. If mined, gold is often smuggled to other transit countries in the sub-region and West Africa, from where it is exported beyond the continent, via West African air hubs such as Lomé (Togo) or Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), where risk analysis systems to combat natural resources trafficking are inadequate.
Trafficking in minerals, along with its counterpart tax evasion, not only deprive producer states of important revenues but also exacerbate political instability and crime, much of which is transnational in nature. Criminals involved in illegal mining generate substantial illicit profits, to the detriment of national economies, vulnerable populations and the environment throughout the region. Studies show that certain criminal groups, sometimes linked to other serious crime activities such as human trafficking, financial crime and poaching, may also exploit this avenue as a convenient method to launder illicit profits.[1]
Recognizing these phenomena in the region, UNODC through the Passenger and Cargo Border Team (PCBT) implemented a series of theoretical and practical trainings and exchange visits for the Joint Interdiction Task Forces (JAITFs) of Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire) and Lomé (Togo) on illegal mining and trafficking in precious metals with a specific focus on illicit gold trafficking by air, with the generous support of the government of France. This initiative was led by experts from French, Ivorian and Senegalese customs, including a World Customs Organization accredited expert. The initial phase of the PCBT efforts involved theoretical training sessions conducted in Abidjan and Lomé. These sessions covered in-depth modules on passenger targeting, freight control, postal and mail control and risk analysis related to the detection, prevention and interception of gold smuggling.
The theoretical training sessions were followed by practical workshops at the international airports of Lomé and Abidjan, where participants had the chance to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-time air traffic, alongside the experts. In addition to strengthening the capacities of the JAITFs, these activities also encouraged information and knowledge exchange between Cote d’Ivoire and Togo, strengthening bilateral and interagency cooperation.
The initiative concluded with a final activity in Abidjan, which focused on the use of general aviation for the trafficking of gold and participated by both countries. This activity This activity aimed to provide participants with further knowledge on risk indicators specific to this vector. With the participation of COLIBRI, the activity included hands-on modules on how to read official documentation and use open-source resources to research and collect information. The training concluded with on-site observation and practice of aircraft search, passenger and crew interviews and risk-based document analysis.
Overwhelmingly, participants offered their enthusiastic praise to PCBT-AIRCOP, noting that this was one of the most enriching training courses they had ever attended, highlighting their appreciation for both the experts and the enriching equilibrium of both theoretical and practical knowledge. Several participants also added that this training inspired them to organize more forums of exchange within their countries as well as with JAITFs in neighboring countries.
PCBT-AIRCOP looks forward to continuing its efforts in capacity building for JAITFs in West and Central Africa in the joint fight against illicit gold trafficking.
Further information
AIRCOP, part of the European Union Global Illicit Flows Programme, is a multi-agency programme implemented by the Passenger and Cargo Border Team (PCBT) of UNODC in partnership with INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO). Its primary objective is to enhance the capabilities of international airports in identifying and intercepting high-risk individuals, cargo and mail, thereby contributing to the fight against all forms of transnational organized crime by air.
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1 www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/UNTOC/COP/SESSION_10/Resolutions/Resolution_10_5_-_English.pdf