All that glitters is not gold : Tout ce qui brille n'est pas or : Dubaï, le Congo et le commerce illicite des minéraux de conflit

Gold is considered the most persistent ‘conflict mineral’ today, with more than half of the estimated 800 artisanal gold mines in eastern DRC under illegal rebel or army control.1 Almost the entire production of these mines—98% according to the United Nations—is smuggled out of the country, implying enormous tax losses to the Congolese fiscus.2 While the majority of DRC’s diamonds are produced out [...] This report is a contribution to a growing body of research that seeks to better understand the illicit trade of gold (and to a lesser degree, diamonds) emanating from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the role industry and state actors play (primarily in neighbouring countries and the United Arab Emirates) in facilitating this illegality. [...] Trade of Conflict Minerals Moreover, efforts of the DMCC and some of its member companies notwithstanding, the trade of gold (and to a lesser extent diamonds) from DRC to UAE lacks transparency and due diligence engagement of most companies and individuals involved. [...] PAC could not reach relevant authorities in South Sudan to and (2) the name and comment on the authenticity of the certificate, but it should be noted that the name address of the purchaser or of the issuing ministry is wrong. [...] The 2009 Inspection Procedures of the Dubai Customs Gold Office require cargo agents bringing in gold to present: Import Declaration, Airway Bill, Delivery Order and Original Invoice.73 Procedures make no reference to certificates of origin, customs declaration forms from the port of exit or proof of payment of export tax in the country of origin.