Madagascar Cracks Down on Gold Smuggling as Central Banks Seek Market Control
Madagascar's central bank governor Aivo Andrianarivelo reveals that criminal networks are smuggling nearly 20 tonnes of Gold annually—worth $2.8 billion—using aircraft and sophisticated logistics. The illicit trade deprives the state of revenue while fueling environmental damage and human rights abuses.
Gold's 60% rally in 2025 to $4,300/oz has intensified efforts by central banks worldwide to reclaim control of domestic markets. Madagascar now joins this trend, offering regulated purchase channels to small-scale miners traditionally reliant on smuggling networks.