Thirteen security guards employed by La Poderosa, one of Peru’s largest gold mining companies, were found dead after being kidnapped by criminal groups linked to illegal mining activities. The incident occurred in the Pataz province of northern Peru, a region increasingly plagued by violence associated with illicit mining operations.
Incident Details
The victims, contracted through the security firm R&R, were abducted on April 26, 2025, while attempting to confront illegal miners encroaching on La Poderosa’s operations. After being held captive for over a week, their bodies were discovered inside a mine shaft. Reports indicate that the captors tortured and executed the guards, with videos allegedly documenting the killings circulating on social media platforms.
Government Response
In reaction to the massacre, President Dina Boluarte announced a 30-day suspension of mining activities in the Pataz district and imposed a nightly curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The government also plans to establish a military base in the area to restore order. Despite these measures, critics argue that the response has been delayed and insufficient, as violence in the region continues to escalate.
Broader Context
Illegal mining has become a significant issue in Peru, with the illicit gold trade valued at over $6 billion in 2024. The REINFO registry, a government program intended to formalize informal miners, has been criticized for inadvertently providing cover for illegal operations. La Poderosa reports that 39 of its workers have been killed since 1980, including nine in a December 2023 attack involving explosives.