Recent investigations highlight the UAE's central role in the illicit African gold trade, as shipments have reached companies in Dubai already listed under US sanctions. The network of Belgian trader Alain Goetz is central to these findings, with links to financing conflicts by processing gold from mines controlled by armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Trade data indicates that tons of gold have been channeled through firms like PGR Gold Trading. Furthermore, diplomatic documents have exposed large-scale smuggling operations involving gold transported in suitcases on commercial flights. Despite international sanctions, these networks continue to operate, benefiting from loose regulatory oversight. According to SWISSAID, the value of smuggled African gold is estimated between $24 billion and $35 billion annually, with a significant portion passing through the UAE, where the number of registered precious metal dealers has surged significantly.