The gold kilobar was reported to have passed handheld XRF examination but found to be 2 grams underweight, which raised suspicions leading to destruction of the bar and the discovery of 5 tungsten rods inside. Had the counterfeiter been more particular to get the exact weight then the bar would now be in the vault of an innocent investor. However, verification with an ultrasonic meter could have detected the tungsten filled bar before the purchase was made.
After the fake was discovered in the UK, ABC Bullion dealer in Australia was notified by a British refiner to be aware of fakes. ABC Bullion posted the following notice online leading to commentary by concerned investors regarding fake gold bars.