04.09.2026 10:50
Images have emerged of the major operation in which the Netherlands relocated its approximately 86-ton gold reserve in North America to prepare for potential crises. While the physically transported portion of the multi-billion-dollar reserve was shipped under extensive security measures, 59 tons of gold were sold in New York and repurchased in London.
While details of the massive gold operation carried out by the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) between March and August 2026 remain on the agenda, footage of the shipment has also emerged.
Seeking faster access to reserves in potential crises, the Netherlands relocated approximately 86 tons of gold held in the United States and Canada. Comprehensive security measures were taken for the reserves physically transported as part of the operation.
GOLD MOVED UNDER SECURITY MEASURES
The portion of the multi-billion-dollar reserves that was physically relocated was seen being transported in special vehicles accompanied by security forces.
As part of the operation, over 27 tons of gold from reserves in the US and Canada were physically brought to a secure facility in Zeist, the Netherlands. A similar amount of gold was later sent from Zeist to London.
DIFFERENT METHOD FOR 59 TONS OF GOLD
The entire 86-ton operation was not carried out by loading bullion onto vehicles and transporting it between countries.
The Dutch Central Bank sold approximately 59 tons of gold in New York and repurchased the same amount in London. This eliminated the need to physically transport the vast quantity of bullion across the Atlantic.
FASTER ACCESS TO GOLD IN TIMES OF CRISIS
The move by the Netherlands is not about buying new gold, but about ensuring existing reserves can be used more easily during a potential crisis.
Following the operation, the share of Dutch gold held in London rose from 18.1 percent to 32.1 percent. London thus became the center where the Netherlands holds the most gold abroad.
The Netherlands' total gold reserves stand at 612.4 tons.