Arrest Made in Peru Mine Workers' Murders Amid Escalating Violence

The arrest of Miguel Antonio Rodríguez Díaz, implicated in the tragic deaths of 13 miners in a Peruvian gold mine, underscores the growing threat from organized crime in Latin America's mining sector. With authorities taking stern measures, including curfews and enhanced military presence, the situation remains critical.

Colombian police have successfully arrested one of the primary suspects involved in the shocking murders of 13 workers at a gold mine in Peru. Miguel Antonio Rodríguez Díaz, who carries the nickname "Cuchillo" (Knife), was detained in Medellin during a coordinated operation executed alongside Peruvian police and Interpol, as confirmed by Peru’s interior ministry. The grim incident took place on May 4, when the victims were found in a work tunnel in the Pataz district.

Rodríguez Díaz’s lawyer has publicly refuted claims of his client’s involvement in the heinous acts. Peru, noted as one of the leading gold producers in Latin America, has witnessed an alarming rise in violence linked to illegal mining operations and organized crime. The miners had reportedly been dispatched to reclaim the mine following an attack by rival groups but fell victim to an ambush instead.

The authorities allege that Díaz was behind the orchestrated attack to seize gold extracted by legal miners. He now faces serious charges, including organized crime, aggravated kidnapping, and homicide, according to Peru’s interior ministry. Video footage revealed his arrest by heavily armed police in a bustling sector of Medellin.

Colombian police chief, Carlos Triana, stated that the successful capture was achieved with help from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, highlighting the international dimensions of the law enforcement effort with an Interpol red notice in effect for Díaz. The Peruvian government has announced plans to seek his extradition in the near future.

In response to escalating violence in the mining region, including a total of 39 murders linked to criminal groups associated with La Poderosa, the company operating the mine, Peru's President Dina Boluarte imposed a nighttime curfew and suspended mining operations for a month, while dispatching additional police and military forces to the troubled area.