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Alleged Mastermind Behind Peru Gold Mine Murders Apprehended in Colombia
Colombian authorities have apprehended the alleged primary suspect in the killings of 13 kidnapped workers at a gold mine in neighboring Peru. The arrest highlights the increasing violence associated with illegal gold mining operations in the region. Peruvian authorities aim to extradite the suspect to face justice.
Arrest Details and Suspect Identification
Miguel Antonio Rodríguez Díaz, known by the alias “Cuchillo” (Knife), was taken into custody in Medellin through a collaborative effort involving Colombian police, Peru’s interior ministry, and Interpol.
- The arrest followed the discovery of the miners’ remains on May 4 in a tunnel at a Pataz district mine.
- Díaz’s lawyer has refuted claims of his client’s involvement in the homicides.
Peru’s Gold Mining Crisis
Peru, a major gold producer in Latin America, is grappling with escalating violence due to illegal mining and organized crime. The incident underscores the perils faced by those working in and attempting to secure gold mining operations.
Circumstances Surrounding the Killings
According to Peruvian authorities, the 13 victims in Pataz were dispatched to confront a group that had stormed and seized the mine. They were ambushed and abducted while attempting to regain control.
Accusations Against “Cuchillo”
- Mr. Díaz is suspected of ordering the assault on the mine’s entrance, intending to steal gold extracted by the miners, as stated by Peru’s interior ministry.
- The charges against him include organized crime, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated homicide.
Law Enforcement Collaboration and Extradition Plans
A video released by authorities depicted Mr. Díaz’s detention by armed officers in downtown Medellin. Colombian police chief Carlos Triana noted that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency assisted in locating Mr. Díaz, who was also subject to an Interpol red notice.
Expected Extradition
Peru’s interior ministry anticipates Mr. Díaz’s extradition to Peru in the near future to face charges related to the gold mine killings.
Impact on the Mining Community
La Poderosa, the company that owns the affected mine, reported that criminal gangs in Pataz have murdered a total of 39 individuals with connections to the company.
This latest incident compelled Peru’s President Dina Boluarte to implement a nighttime curfew in Pataz and halt mining activities for one month, while deploying additional police and military personnel to the area.