Menu Click here
website logo
Sign In| Sign Up
back back
Diamond trading
Search for Diamonds Manage Listings IDEX Onsite
diamond prices
Real Time Prices Diamond Index Price Report
news & research
Newsroom IDEX Research Memo Search News & Archives RSS Feeds
back back
Diamond trading
Search for Diamonds Manage Listings IDEX Onsite
diamond prices
Real Time Prices Diamond Index Price Report
news & research
Newsroom IDEX Research Memo Search News & Archives RSS Feeds
back back
MY IDEX
My Bids & Asks My Purchases My Sales Manage Listings IDEX Onsite Company Information Branches Information Personal Information
Logout
Newsroom Full Article

Portuguese Soldiers Arrested over Diamond Smuggling Claims

November 15, 21 by

(IDEX Online) - Portuguese soldiers serving with UN peace-keeping forces in Central African Republic (CAR) are alleged to have used military planes to smuggle diamonds, gold and drugs to Europe.

Over 300 police were involved in the execution of 100 arrest warrants last week in a series of raids at addresses across Portugal.

As many as 90,000 people are involved in small-scale diamond production in CAR -  an industry closely linked to the violent conflict and political instability that have long plagued the country.

"A criminal network with international connections is under investigation, which is dedicated to obtaining illicit profits through diamond and gold smuggling, drug trafficking, counterfeiting and passing of counterfeit currency," the Portuguese police force said in a statement.

A total of 180 Portuguese soldiers are deployed as peacekeepers in CAR.

Diamond Index
Related Articles

Newsletter

The Newsletter offers a quick summary of the past week's industry news and full articles.
Our Services About IDEX Privacy & Security Terms & Conditions Sign-Up Advertise on IDEX Industry Links Contact Us
IDEX on Facebook IDEX on LinkedIn IDEX on Twitter