A relentless gold rush has taken hold in Cameroon’s eastern and Adamaoua regions, leading to a proliferation of mining sites. Despite this widespread activity, the Cameroonian state finds itself unable to enforce its regulations effectively, resulting in billions of francs in gold revenue disappearing from official channels. This “ghost gold” is systematically diverted, often making its way to Dubai, facilitated by intricate criminal networks. These illicit operations thrive on deep-seated local complicity, with those involved prepared to exert significant influence and engage in any necessary actions to maintain their highly profitable positions. This ongoing investigation uncovers the vast scale of these economic leakages.