Madar (Tunis) - The economic and financial investigations unit of the judicial police at El Gorjani in Tunis has dismantled a network suspected of laundering nearly two tonnes of gold destined for smelting over the past six years, Tunisian media reported on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
According to the news site Webdo, the network was made up of traders and owners of workshops and factories dealing in jewellery. Its members allegedly set up shell companies and used artisans' supply and purchase records to evade tax and bring gold of unknown origin into legal trade channels.
The investigation led to 13 people being held on suspicion of offences including criminal conspiracy, forgery and use of forged documents, and habitual money laundering, the outlet said.
Police seized more than 70 kg of gold, 4.5 kg of silver of unknown origin, more than 120,000 dinars in cash and nine luxury cars. Webdo put the value of the cars at about 25 million dinars, while Mosaique FM gave the same figure as the total value of the seizures.
Proceeds were allegedly reinvested in projects, property and luxury goods. The investigation continues into the network's reach and the origin of the seized metals; the allegations remain subject to the findings of the inquiry and court rulings.
