U.S. Mint Purchases Gold from Foreign Sources, Including Drug Dealers

An investigation has uncovered that the U.S. Mint acquires gold from foreign pawn shops and drug dealers, then designates it as U.S.-sourced. Three reporters examined supply chains to document these practices. The gold in question includes material linked to a drug cartel. The U.S. Mint processes this gold despite its foreign origins.

The tracing revealed that gold from outside the United States enters the mint's supply. Reporters followed the path from initial sellers, including drug dealers, to the mint. The mint then claims the gold originates domestically.

This practice raises questions about the accuracy of origin claims for government-held gold. The investigation highlights potential issues in supply chain transparency for precious metals used by the U.S. Mint.