US Mint gold source tied to criminal networks in Colombia: NYT

An NYT investigation reported April 26, 2026 that some gold entering U.S. supply chains — including material linked to the U.S. Mint’s investor-grade coins — can be traced to illegally mined Colombian sources controlled by armed groups and cartels. The piece highlights weak provenance controls, a 2024 watchdog finding that the Mint’s “US gold” offset rule hasn’t been enforced for over 20 years, and trade data showing about $1.5bn of Colombia’s $4.1bn gold exports went to the U.S. in 2024. The Treasury says it is reviewing the Mint’s procurement and has tightened sourcing standards. Market impact: renewed regulatory scrutiny and tighter sourcing could raise compliance costs, tighten usable supply for some buyers and refiners, and affect premiums or flows in the precious-metals market, though the article does not forecast immediate price moves.