Vienna, Austria, May 15, 2024 - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Programme Against Money Laundering, Proceeds of Crime and the Financing of Terrorism, in partnership with the Government of South Africa, conducted a side event in Vienna, Austria, titled Cracking the Code: Addressing Illicit Trafficking in Precious Metals, Illegal Mining and Associated Illicit Financial Flows in Southern Africa. The event aimed to highlight regional implementation of the ECOSOC Resolution adopted on 23 July 2019, which strongly encouraged Member States to strengthen national, regional, and international cooperation in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in precious metals and illegal mining.
Illegal mining and illicit trafficking in precious metals present many challenges, negatively impacting peace, stability, security, development, governance, and the rule of law.
[1] In Southern Africa, the mineral sector faces significant challenges in various sectors such as with money laundering and proceeds of crime because of ineffective anti-money laundering frameworks. A report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has shown that precious metals and stones have been used as alternative sources of currency to purchase prohibited goods or as means to store wealth generated through illegal activity that is not easily traceable.
[2] Many dealers of precious metals and stones in Southern Africa are unaware of money laundering risks and do not have proper anti-money laundering procedures and processes. The side event aimed to provide recommendations to support the strengthened response in the Southern African region and globally in addressing the financial crime aspects of illegal mining and illicit trafficking in precious metals.
His Excellency Ambassador Rapulane Molekane, South African Ambassador to Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Permanent Representative of South Africa to the International Organisations in Vienna, made opening remarks in which he discussed the socio-economic impact of illegal mining in Southern Africa and its challenges to the rule of law. “The impact of illegal mining on the people of Southern Africa is profound as it affects various aspects of society. It undermines national security and the rule of law and impedes socio-economic progress, including environmental degradation. It leads to the loss of revenue for development initiatives crucial for achieving SDGs and the AU’s Agenda 2063: Africa We Want.”
Brigadier Flynn, from the South African Police Services (SAPS) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, discussed the complex challenges of illegal mining and metal trafficking and their impact on a country’s economy and stability. “Criminal syndicates use elaborate schemes and extensive export routes to successfully sell stolen precious metals to local and international refiners without detention. This negatively impacts the economy and stability of countries integral to the supply value chain.” Brigadier Flynn explained the success of Operation Vala Umgodi, which is demarcated to counter illegal mining in the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. This involved seizing 146 firearms, gold refining paraphernalia, platinum, chrome, and diamonds.
Mr. Gilbert Phiri, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Zambia, discussed the international dimensions of illegal mining and its impact on the country’s development. “Challenges of illicit financial flows in Zambia’s mining sector involve transfer pricing manipulation, profit shifting to low-tax jurisdictions, under-declaration of exports, over-invoicing and underpricing, false accounting, and falsification of documentation. These practices result in significant revenue losses for the Zambian Government, undermining the country’s ability to fund public services and infrastructure.” According to Mr. Phiri, financial investigations in illicit mining cases in Zambia are challenging due to the concealment of beneficial ownership, lack of technical expertise, jurisdictional complexities, and limited resources for financial investigators.
According to Ms. Inneke Geyskens-Borgions from the UNODC Global Programme Against Money Laundering (GMPL), minerals can be a source of illegal funds laundered through smuggling and/or illegal trade or a vehicle used to launder money from other predicate offenses such as human trafficking or corruption. It has also been identified as a source for financing terrorist groups and armed groups. She highlighted a study conducted by the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group in 2022, which states that illicit dealings in gold, diamonds, and rubies pose a significant threat to the region’s financial systems. “This makes it hard for Southern African countries to reap the benefits of their natural resources.”
