The illegal gold rush sweeping the world
Historic price rally lures criminals and paramilitaries into illicit mining from the Amazon to Sudan
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China’s secretive gold purchases help fuel record rally
Growing amount of unreported transactions presents challenge for bullion market traders
Central banks enter the gold trade to choke off smuggling
More countries are buying directly from artisanal miners as trafficking robs them of tax revenues and foreign exchange
Record prices fuel surge in Sudan conflict gold smuggling
Much of the precious metal is transported through the UAE and used to finance warring parties
Gold enters the storybook stage
Its price is now far above levels suggested by fundamental forces, but it’s hard to see what might stop its ascent
Banks and traders race to capitalise on gold’s historic rally
Surge in bullion prices turns precious metals trading and vaulting into one of finance’s most profitable businesses
Is silver the new gold?
The surge in the precious metal’s price could have ominous implications for the markets