Paraguay busts cross-border gold smuggling ring linking Brazil to Turkey

Paraguayan law enforcement announced the dismantling of an international gold trafficking operation that sourced refined metal from illicit mines in Brazil and routed it through Paraguay and Panama to destinations including Turkey. The investigation, called Operation Aurelia, led to coordinated raids on nine locations in Asunción and nearby cities, resulting in four arrests and the confiscation of vehicles, cash in several currencies, jewelry, electronic devices, documents and refining equipment.

Earlier interceptions in November and April had stopped 22 kilograms of gold destined for Panama, which investigators believe served as a transit hub before the cargo was sent to Istanbul. Tests showed the seized gold was about 99% pure, and officials suspect a network that recruited low-income Paraguayans as couriers while foreign operatives supervised the shipments. A Paraguayan woman is identified as an alleged administrator of the local segment, and an Iraqi national residing in Paraguay is suspected of providing logistical support. Police plan to trace and seize assets linked to the proceeds of the operation.