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[BUSINESS] · United States, Venezuela · 20 sources

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Venezuelan gold held in U.S. warehouses as refineries refuse processing

An investigation by The New York Times reveals that the Trump administration has facilitated the transport of Venezuelan gold to the United States, despite previous sanctions and blacklists. A multi-million dollar agreement was negotiated with the state-owned mining company Minerven, involving the sale of up to one ton of gold through the commodities trader Trafigura.

However, hundreds of millions of dollars worth of gold currently remain held in U.S. warehouses because American refineries are refusing to process it. Refiners cite concerns regarding international compliance standards, specifically the inability to certify that the metal is free from links to organized crime, corruption, or environmental destruction.

The report highlights that some gold was transported out of Venezuela even before companies could conduct site inspections, and parts of the supply chain are allegedly linked to miners paying bribes to criminal gangs. Additionally, U.S. financiers are reportedly investing in mines with ties to organized crime as part of these negotiated deals.

Entities

Donald Trump · Minerven · Nicolás Maduro · Richard Grenell · The New York Times · Trafigura · Tren de Guayana · United States

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about 5 hours ago