The credibility of paper money circulating in society is often based on the country's gold reserves, so private people often can't illegally hold gold, even if the gold belongs to recycling, others can't steal it.
In addition, the acquisition of stolen goods refers to the purchase of a large number of stolen goods or repeated purchases of a certain type of stolen goods. There are only two purposes: one is to resell for profit, and the other is for personal use. There are two ways to buy stolen goods for your own use: one is to buy stolen goods for your own consumption, and the other is to produce and operate by yourself. Buying a large number of stolen goods for their own production and operation is the crime of buying stolen goods. Therefore, it is not illegal to recycle stolen gold without knowing that it is stolen.
It can be seen that gold trading is extremely important in China, but it is not illegal to recover stolen gold if it is not known to be stolen.
Regulations of People's Republic of China (PRC) Municipality on the Administration of Gold and Silver
Article 12
Individuals selling gold and silver must sell them to the People's Bank of China.
Article 22
Entrusting or consignment shops shall not purchase or consign gold and silver products or gold and silver equipment. Jewelry stores can buy jewelry inlaid with gold and silver for export, but they are not allowed to buy or sell gold and silver products and equipment. Gold and silver products are purchased by the People's Bank of China for export.