Russians probed over Africa gold smuggling as West vies for influence

Sudanese prosecutors arrested one Russian employee and summoned many more for questioning, sources said, around time Russian FM Lavrov visited

Sudan’s move seen as effort to appease West which is concerned by Russia’s growing influence in north African state, a frontline in tussle for regional influence

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Gold bullion bars. Russians working for a mining firm in Sudan are being investigated over alleged gold smuggling. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 9:05pm, 27 Feb 2023

Dozens of Russians working for a mining company in Sudan are being probed by authorities on suspicion of gold-smuggling, in a potential setback for Moscow’s ambitions in the resource-rich North African state.

Sudanese prosecutors arrested one and summoned many more Russian employees for questioning this year, including just before and after Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit in February, according to people familiar with the events.

While his tour sought to shore up ties with friendly countries on the continent, Sudan’s moves were partly meant to appease Western powers concerned by Russia’s growing influence, said the people who asked not to be identified as they were not authorised to comment.

Riad Alfatih, general manager for Sudan-based Al-Sulaj Mining Ltd confirmed that 36 Russians were among 58 employees who had been questioned on accusations of smuggling and undermining the economy, before being released.

Officials from Sudan’s ruling military, state mining body and judiciary did not respond to requests for comment, nor did Russia’s embassy.

Sudan, where veteran dictator Omar al-Bashir was ousted amid mass protests in 2019, has emerged as a frontline in the tussle for influence in Africa between the West and Russia.