Who are the Gold Mafia? Godmen, conmen and a president’s niece

A major undercover investigation by Al Jazeera has uncovered a vast criminal network—dubbed the “Gold Mafia”—responsible for gold smuggling and money laundering worth billions of dollars across Southern Africa.

The network is not a single group but a collection of rival operators, including self-styled pastors, diplomats, businessmen, and politically connected elites. Their activities span multiple countries, exploiting weak regulations and political influence to move illicit wealth through gold trade routes.

Key Figures Behind the Gold Mafia

Kamlesh Pattni (aka “Brother Paul”)

Kenyan-born businessman Kamlesh Pattni is described as a central figure in the network. He was previously linked to the infamous Goldenberg scandal, which allegedly cost Kenya around $600 million—about 10% of its GDP in the 1990s.

Now operating from Dubai, Pattni is accused of facilitating gold smuggling from countries like Zimbabwe. Despite presenting himself as a religious leader running a church, experts label him a “criminal mastermind.”

Pattni denies all allegations, stating he has never been convicted and was unaware of any illegal dealings.

Uebert Angel

Uebert Angel, a prominent Zimbabwean diplomat and self-proclaimed prophet, was appointed special envoy by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021.

During undercover meetings, Angel allegedly offered to use his diplomatic status to transport large amounts of illicit cash into Zimbabwe, claiming government awareness of such operations.

Neither Angel nor the Zimbabwean government responded to the investigation.

Rikki Doolan (Pastor Rikki)

Rikki Doolan, a close associate of Angel, played a supporting role in the alleged schemes. He reportedly discussed laundering over $1 billion through gold transactions, describing the system as an effective “washing machine” for dirty money.

Doolan declined to comment on the allegations.

Henrietta Rushwaya

Henrietta Rushwaya, head of Zimbabwe’s mining association and niece of President Mnangagwa, is accused of facilitating gold purchases for laundering operations.

She had previously been arrested in 2020 for attempting to smuggle gold to Dubai. In the investigation, she allegedly outlined plans involving illicit cash being converted into legitimate funds through gold trading.

Rushwaya did not respond to requests for comment.

Ewan Macmillan (aka “Mr Gold”)

Ewan Macmillan is described as a rival to Pattni and a long-time gold smuggler with multiple prison sentences.

Despite his past, Macmillan now reportedly works with Zimbabwe’s state refinery, exporting gold to Dubai. He admitted there are “huge opportunities” to launder money through the system.

Authorities and associated institutions have denied wrongdoing.

Alistair Mathias

Alistair Mathias, a Dubai-based Canadian national, is alleged to be the financial architect behind Macmillan’s operations.

He reportedly uses a network of companies to move tens of millions of dollars monthly, converting illicit funds into legitimate assets through gold trading.

Mathias denies all allegations, stating he has never laundered money or worked with criminal clients.

A Complex Criminal Ecosystem

The investigation reveals a sophisticated system where illicit cash is converted into gold, transported across borders, and sold legally—effectively “cleaning” the money. The involvement of politically connected individuals and state-linked entities highlights deep-rooted corruption risks in the region.

While many of the accused deny wrongdoing, the findings raise serious concerns about global financial systems, regulatory gaps, and the role of gold in facilitating transnational crime. Source: Al Jazeera