Bolivia’s government has defended the legality of domestically produced gold purchased by the central bank, following allegations by opposition lawmakers that the practice may constitute gold laundering.

Central banks stormed back into the gold market in the final three months of last year, playing a key role in the metal hitting an all-time high.

Gold demand is surging to new records, driven by accelerating purchases from central banks as well as investors seeking a safe haven amid the threat of escalating tariffs. On Wednesday gold hit record highs for the fifth consecutive day,