This case study was first presented at the FIC Cyber conference on April 1st 2025

This investigation uncovers the shadowy gold trails linking Russia to the Central African Republic, the DRC and the UAE. Since arriving in CAR, the Wagner group has acted like a predatory state within a state – seizing power and plundering resources. INPACT/AEOW has repeatedly exposed their network of front companies running gold and diamond operations, with companies like Lobaye Invest, Midas Resources (N’dassima mine) or Diamville, as well as shady deals in timber and beverages. After the death of Prigozhin, Wagner has been remaining in CAR and Russia has been more and more present in the region. Dig Dig Baby is a raw exposé of the mines, the gold routes and the Russian grip tightening across Central Africa.

An artisanal gold mine under the control of Russia in CAR

Yidere Artisanal gold mine

In May 2023, Heavy Industrial sarl, a company with no existing track records and  created in March 2023, signs a 25 years mining convention with very favorable terms with the Central African Republic. This convention describes a long term role for Heavy Industrial in the country operating a gold mine and selling its proceeds abroad.

On January 4^th 2024, Heavy Industrial is awarded a 100km2 mining permit for 10 years enabling the company to start exploiting this small mine located in YIdere/Baboua in the region of Nana-Mambere in the North West of the country known for its gold and diamond artisal mines.

Unstable region with Wagner presence

As of 2022, Wagner is in the area. The North-Western part of CAR is facing a renewed wave of instability with an increase of insecurity in the Nana-Mambere region with the presence of 3R armed group. Several incidents perpetrated by armed groups are reported to the United Nation panel of experts. On 21 January 2023, armed elements attacked the main customs post of Beloko, on the Cameroonian border. Two FACA soldiers and one member of the Wagner group were reported killed. In March, in Ndiba, three Chinese workers were taken hostage and released following the payment of a ransom at a gold mine. Bouar remains prone to criminality despite the presence of the FACA and the Wagner group.  In September 2023, confrontations are said to take place between the Wagner and rebellious groups. At the same time, Wagner combatants are said to be posted in the region on mining sites in Irdéré, Lamy-Pont,  Kpandé,  Nguia-Bouar, Abba, Sagaini, etc.  In January 2022, around 20 bodies are found in Yidéré and were allegedly killed by Wagner fighters. As of 2024, Wagner forces appear on official photos during ceremonies.

An Active Site as of December 2023

Based on satellite images, it is possible to see the site is in operation since at least December 2023. This mine has substantial facilities, including construction equipment and worker housing. Between December 2023 and February 2025, the development of the area designated in the operating permit under the “Point G” stamp will be observed. This includes a significant expansion of the site and the creation of a basic airfield runway.

Satellite image series showing the expansion of the Idere mine area in CAR – Source: Copernicus.eu

Series of satellite images of the IRDERE mining site in the Central African Republic showing the different industrial zones and the military cantonment. – Sources: Image: GoogleMaps / SentinelHub – Analysis: Inpact

A Russian Front?

Based on open source research, Heavy Industrial is directed by a Central African national,  Murielle Gaombalet Binguiremo Jossyca.

INPACT/AEOW has reached out Heavy Industrial and Murielle Gaombalet Binguiremo Jossyca for comment but they did not answer our calls.

According to INPACT’s own sources and local media, she would be a straw person in charge of Heavy Industrial but also another company created a week before and called General Ressource allegedly owned by Russian nationals.

What is done with the gold produced by Heavy Industrial and where is it exported? These questions remain unknown so far. INPACT/ AEOW has also not been able to find more information about General Ressource in CAR at this stage but gold remains at the heart of Russia’s financing strategy.