The Financial Times found that the UAE received more than $100 million in gold stolen from Sudan's central bank and state refinery. An Emirati official said trade with Sudan topped just over $1 billion in 2025, while Swissaid estimates nearly $30 billion of undeclared artisanal gold flows from Africa to Dubai each year. Investigators and aid groups warn that these gold revenues are financing militias accused of ethnic cleansing and genocide, which now possess advanced drones, air-defence systems and armored vehicles. The report has renewed calls for tighter oversight and transparency in global gold trade.
Financial Times: UAE Received Over $100M In Gold Stolen From Sudan, Investigation Finds
UAE procured $100M in stolen gold from Sudan, investigation finds
The Financial Times reports that the United Arab Emirates received more than $100 million in gold bullion seized by paramilitary forces from Sudan's central bank and its state refinery. Investigators say these transfers form part of much larger flows of gold between Sudan and the UAE that have surged amid Sudan's civil war.
Investigation Findings
According to the FT, transaction records and trading patterns point to the movement of over $100 million of bullion originating from Sudanese state stocks to the UAE following seizures by paramilitary units. An Emirati official told the newspaper that bilateral gold trade with Sudan topped just over $1 billion in 2025.
Charity Swissaid estimates that nearly $30 billion of undeclared artisanal gold is exported from Africa to Dubai each year, underscoring widespread gaps in oversight and reporting across the regional gold market.
Security and Humanitarian Impact
Investigators and aid groups warn that these mineral flows are helping to finance militias involved in Sudan's conflict. Those groups—accused by observers of ethnic cleansing and genocide against non-Arab communities—now reportedly operate advanced drones, air-defence systems and fleets of armored personnel carriers. Analysts link some of these capabilities to external support and revenues from natural resources, including gold.
Source: Financial Times investigation; estimates from Swissaid; statements from investigators and aid organizations.
Implications
The findings have prompted renewed calls for stronger due diligence, greater transparency in gold trading hubs, and coordinated international measures to cut the financial lifelines to armed groups. Governments, industry participants and humanitarian organizations face pressure to tighten controls over artisanal and cross-border gold flows to prevent further fueling of violent conflict.
Help us improve.
