The capture follows an international manhunt and highlights escalating violence within Peru's illegal mining sectors.
Colombian Authorities Capture Key Suspect in Gruesome Peru Mine Murders
Colombian Authorities Capture Key Suspect in Gruesome Peru Mine Murders
Colombian police apprehend Miguel Rodríguez Díaz, linked to the deaths of 13 miners in Peru's Pataz district.
In a significant breakthrough, Colombian police have arrested Miguel Antonio Rodríguez Díaz, known as "Cuchillo" (Spanish for "knife"), the prime suspect in the murder of 13 kidnapped miners at a gold mine in Peru. This operation, hailed as a collaborative effort between Colombian authorities, Peruvian officials, and Interpol, took place in Medellin, Colombia.
On May 4, authorities uncovered the bodies of the miners in a tunnel at the Pataz district mine, following their tragic kidnapping earlier. Reports indicate that these workers were ambushed while attempting to reclaim control of the mine from assailants who had taken over. A lawyer representing Mr. Díaz has publicly denied any involvement in the killings.
Peru is recognized as a leading gold producer in Latin America; however, it has also experienced a disturbing uptick in violence attributed to illegal mining and organized crime. Díaz is accused of orchestrating the assault on the mine's entrance with intentions to steal gold from the miners. The charges against him include organized crime, aggravated kidnapping, and homicide, according to Peru’s Ministry of the Interior.
Law enforcement in Colombia released footage showing the dramatic arrest amidst the bustling streets of Medellin. Colombian police chief Carlos Triana highlighted the successful collaboration with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in locating Díaz, who was also subject to an Interpol red notice.
In light of this tragic event, Peru’s Interior Ministry is preparing for Díaz’s imminent extradition to face trial in Peru. In response to the violence, President Dina Boluarte imposed a nighttime curfew in the affected region, along with suspending mining activities for a month. The mine's operating company, La Poderosa, revealed that a staggering 39 individuals associated with the company had fallen victim to criminal gangs in Pataz.
On May 4, authorities uncovered the bodies of the miners in a tunnel at the Pataz district mine, following their tragic kidnapping earlier. Reports indicate that these workers were ambushed while attempting to reclaim control of the mine from assailants who had taken over. A lawyer representing Mr. Díaz has publicly denied any involvement in the killings.
Peru is recognized as a leading gold producer in Latin America; however, it has also experienced a disturbing uptick in violence attributed to illegal mining and organized crime. Díaz is accused of orchestrating the assault on the mine's entrance with intentions to steal gold from the miners. The charges against him include organized crime, aggravated kidnapping, and homicide, according to Peru’s Ministry of the Interior.
Law enforcement in Colombia released footage showing the dramatic arrest amidst the bustling streets of Medellin. Colombian police chief Carlos Triana highlighted the successful collaboration with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in locating Díaz, who was also subject to an Interpol red notice.
In light of this tragic event, Peru’s Interior Ministry is preparing for Díaz’s imminent extradition to face trial in Peru. In response to the violence, President Dina Boluarte imposed a nighttime curfew in the affected region, along with suspending mining activities for a month. The mine's operating company, La Poderosa, revealed that a staggering 39 individuals associated with the company had fallen victim to criminal gangs in Pataz.
