

In Mozambique, illegal mining and associated financial crimes are becoming significant issues, with the mining sector increasingly exploited for money laundering and terrorism financing. Criminals involved in the illicit extraction of resources like gold and gemstones use fraudulent invoices, unregulated trade routes, and complex laundering schemes to legitimise their profits. This activity fuels organised crime and supports extremist groups, notably in conflict-prone areas such as Cabo Delgado. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is actively working to counter these trends in Mozambique. Efforts include training local law enforcement and financial institutions to identify and combat illicit financial flows linked to mining. The UNODC promotes regional cooperation to bolster regulatory frameworks and improve intelligence sharing. These measures aim to curtail the illegal exploitation of Mozambique's rich mineral resources, disrupt criminal networks, and ensure that the benefits of mining contribute to sustainable development and economic stability.