MEDELLIN, Colombia – Authorities have arrested Miguel Antonio Rodríguez Díaz, alias “Cuchillo,” in downtown Medellin, Colombia, for his alleged role in the murder of 13 kidnapped workers at a gold mine in Pataz, Peru.
The arrest, part of a joint operation involving Interpol, Peruvian and Colombian authorities, and support from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, took place after Díaz was tracked down in a busy commercial area. He was the subject of an Interpol red notice.
According to Peru’s Interior Ministry, Díaz is suspected of ordering an attack on the mine’s entrance to steal gold, which led to the kidnapping and killing of 13 miners on May 4. The miners had reportedly been sent to confront another group that had taken control of the mine.
Peruvian officials accuse Díaz of organized crime, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated homicide. A lawyer representing Díaz has denied the allegations.
The killings are part of a broader wave of violence linked to illegal mining operations and criminal gangs in the gold-rich region. La Poderosa, the mining company involved, said 39 employees or affiliates have been killed in similar attacks in recent years.
Following the massacre, President Dina Boluarte declared a curfew in Pataz, suspended mining activities for a month, and deployed additional police and military forces to restore order.
Peruvian authorities expect Díaz to be extradited in the coming days to face charges.
