Is Switzerland doing enough to keep “dirty gold” out?

Switzerland processes up to 50%-70% of the world’s gold, but weak laws make it a potential entry point for gold linked to human rights and environmental abuses. A 2023 UN letter accused the Swiss government of enabling this through lax regulations. While industry leaders and authorities claim progress in traceability, investigations reveal major gaps between policy and practice. A visit to African gold-producing regions highlights the struggle to ensure truly transparent supply chains.

Source: adapted from DW Documentary, July 2025.