Venezuela is becoming an important hub for illicit gold from the Amazon region. New report from the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime. This means that many of these gold transactions are now settled with Tether rather than traditional money.
The deal would have generated approximately $2.2 billion in revenue in 2025, according to the report. $USDT Because they allow fast payments and can be easily moved across borders. At the same time, authorities say this trend makes it difficult to track illegal activities related to gold mining.
Venezuela becomes center of gold trading
The report explains that Venezuela has become an important destination for illicit gold from the Amazon region. Much of this gold is produced in the regions of Brazil and Guyana. It is transported across borders using secret routes and small aircraft. Once in Venezuela, they are sold through local networks.
⚡️New: Illegal AMAZON GOLD is being traded $USDT in venezuela
Global Initiatives Against Transnational Organizations Crime Points to Venezuela as a Hub for Amazon’s Illicit Money, with Money Reportedly Settled Locally Using Tether $USDTenable 2.2B rev. Generated in 2025. pic.twitter.com/sB7G4J09AP
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) March 13, 2026
Experts have linked the country’s gold sector to criminal organizations and corruption. Some armed groups control mining areas and trafficking routes. As global gold prices rise, illegal mining is expanding across the Amazon region.
$USDT used for payment
One of the key findings in the report is that $USDT These transactions use stablecoins. Traders often like $USDT Because transfer is fast and cheap. It also bypasses traditional banking systems, which are difficult to use due to sanctions. This has led traders to settle some gold trades directly. $USDT instead of cash or bank transfer. Researchers say this change will make it easier for smugglers to move money. without going through normal financial channels.
Sanctions and virtual currency shift
International sanctions against Venezuelan gold also played a role. The United States has imposed sanctions on the country’s gold sector in recent years. These constraints prevent access to global markets. Therefore, some traders have turned to cryptocurrency payments to get around these restrictions. Digital assets allow buyers and sellers to complete transactions without relying on banks. But experts say the trend also creates new challenges for law enforcement.
Environmental and crime concerns
Illegal gold mining in the Amazon is causing serious environmental damage. Mining operations frequently cause deforestation. It polluted the river and affected the population. Mining has spread into protected areas and indigenous territories throughout the region. Authorities say criminal networks also profit from the trade.
In response, governments and international organizations are now looking for new ways to track the flow of illicit money. Additionally, the use of cryptography in these activities. The report also warns about the combination of illegal mining and digital payments. This could make it even more difficult to control transactions in the future.
