The U.S. Mint purchases gold originating from illegal Colombian cartel mines and, through refining and admixture, sells it as American-origin coins despite legal requirements to use only domestic gold. The Clan del Golfo cartel has run La Mandinga mine for eight years, requiring permission and payment ($400 per five-person team monthly) from all miners. A 2024 Treasury Department inspector general audit found the Mint never asked suppliers where they sourced gold for two decades following the post-9/11 boom.