On May 4, 2025, 13 miners kidnapped in Pataz, Peru, were found dead in a mine shaft, tortured and executed by a criminal gang led by alias “Cuchillo.” The workers, employed by Minera Poderosa’s contractor R&R, were abducted on April 26 during a raid linked to illegal gold mining. A graphic video showed the bound miners shot at close range. Despite a S/4 million ransom demand, the victims were killed. The Peruvian Police and Army recovered the bodies, but families criticized authorities for inaction. Minera Poderosa and SNMPE demanded government action against rising organized crime in the lawless region.
Pataz massacre, miners executed, illegal mining, Minera Poderosa, criminal gangs, Peru violence, gold mining crime, PNP operation, organized crime, state of emergency
