Why Gold Scams Target International Buyers
Ghana and Sierra Leone are among the world’s top gold-producing nations. Unfortunately, both are also hotspots for fraudulent dealers posing as legitimate exporters. Common scams include:
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Fake companies claiming to hold export licences.
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Individuals posing as mine owners offering “direct access.”
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Advance-fee fraud where buyers pay for logistics, insurance, or shipping — and the gold never appears.
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Counterfeit assay reports and PMMC certificates (in Ghana).
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Fake Kimberley Process certificates (in Sierra Leone).
The result: millions lost by foreign buyers each year.
Legal Remedies Available
1. Filing a Criminal Complaint
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Ghana: File with EOCO (Economic and Organised Crime Office) and the CID Fraud Unit.
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Sierra Leone: Complaints go to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Sierra Leone Police.
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Properly drafted complaints, supported by evidence, can trigger arrests and prosecutions.
2. Civil Lawsuits for Recovery
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Victims can sue fraudsters or complicit intermediaries in Ghanaian or Sierra Leonean courts.
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Remedies include damages, restitution, and injunctions against assets.
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Civil claims are often pursued in parallel with criminal cases.
3. Asset Tracing & Freezing Orders
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Courts can be petitioned to freeze bank accounts, real estate, or vehicles linked to the fraud.
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Cross-border tracing may be required where funds moved offshore.
4. International Escalation
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Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) can be used to bring in Interpol or request support from foreign banks.
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In large-scale fraud, international cooperation can increase pressure on scammers.
5. Negotiated Settlements
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In some cases, civil negotiations can lead to partial or full repayment, especially when intermediaries wish to avoid criminal exposure.
How Clinton Consultancy Assists
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Evidence Triage: Collecting contracts, messages, bank transfers, certificates, and assay reports.
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Complaint Drafting: Preparing dossiers for EOCO, CID, or Sierra Leone Police.
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Court Representation: Filing civil claims, freezing orders, and restitution suits.
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Cross-Border Coordination: Tracing funds through Ghana, Sierra Leone, and offshore accounts.
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Fixed-Fee Entry Packs: Red-flag memos and complaint drafting at transparent rates.
Why Clinton Consultancy
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Dual Jurisdiction Strength: Offices in Ghana and Sierra Leone — rare capability across both gold hubs.
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Sector Knowledge: Years of experience with gold fraud litigation and recovery.
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Government Access: Regular liaison with EOCO, CID, PMMC, Minerals Commission, and Sierra Leone’s regulatory authorities.
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International Standard: Handling sensitive cases for foreign victims discreetly.
FAQs
Q: Can I get my money back?
Recovery is never guaranteed, but acting fast with proper complaints and civil suits improves the chances.
Q: Do I need to travel to Ghana or Sierra Leone?
Not always. With affidavits and local counsel, much can be handled on your behalf.
Q: What if the scammer already spent the money?
Asset tracing may identify other recoverable property or co-conspirators who can be pursued.
Q: How long does it take?
Complaint drafting can be done within days. Criminal/civil proceedings can take months, but urgent freezing orders can be sought quickly.
Call to Action
Scammed in a gold deal in Ghana or Sierra Leone? Don’t wait — evidence disappears fast. Clinton Consultancy helps international victims pursue both criminal and civil remedies for recovery.
WhatsApp: +233 27 252 2695
Email: amanda@clintonconsultancy.com
