As Russia’s war on Ukraine enters its sixth month, new information has been uncovered about how it’s not only financing the war, but also surviving western sanctions. It’s a story that includes treasure, corruption, coercion and exploitation — and one that was recently unearthed through the dogged reporting of CNN chief international investigative reporter Nima Elgabir.

The quick version: Russia has been illegally smuggling billions of dollars worth of gold from Sudan, skirting Sudanese laws and helping to impoverish the sub-Saharan African nation. In return, Sudanese military forces get Russian support in crushing the pro-democracy movement, with both political might and arms.

Elgabir talks with Here & Now’s Robin Young.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

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