Authorities in Côte d’Ivoire have dismantled a suspected money laundering network operating in the Iffou Region, following a major security operation led by a specialised police and gendarmerie unit. The crackdown, carried out near Daoukro, targeted illegal activities linked to the trade of mercury, a substance widely used in illicit gold mining. Security sources say the operation exposed a network allegedly involved in laundering funds through mineral trading, while also contributing to environmental pollution and health risks for local communities.
The Iffou Region has increasingly become a hotspot for illegal mining and related criminal activities, as gold prices have risen and regulatory oversight has struggled to keep pace with informal sector growth. Mercury, which is used to separate gold from ore in small-scale mining operations, poses significant environmental and health hazards when handled improperly. The substance can contaminate water sources and soil, affecting agricultural productivity and community health.
Local authorities and residents have welcomed the operation, describing it as a major step toward restoring safety and order in an area where illegal mining networks have operated with relative impunity. Officials say the practices uncovered violate national environmental and anti-money laundering laws, which impose strict penalties on unauthorised mercury trade and the laundering of proceeds from mineral extraction.
Investigations are ongoing, with more details expected as authorities continue their assessment of the network’s scope and connections. The operation reflects a broader trend across West Africa, where governments are increasing enforcement against illegal mining and associated financial crimes. For the formal mining sector, which operates under stricter environmental and financial regulations, the crackdown on illegal networks could help level the playing field and reduce the competitive pressure from unregulated operators.
