Mexico City (EFE).- Mexico’s Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection reported on Tuesday that the 10 miners kidnapped in Sinaloa (northwest), were mistaken for members of the criminal group “Los Mayos,” according to initial statements from detainees.
“According to the initial detentions carried out by the army, four people were arrested for allegedly being responsible for the illegal deprivation of liberty. They mentioned that the miners were confused with members of an antagonistic group,” said Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, during the Tuesday morning press conference.
The official specified that the four individuals detained in connection with the case belong to a faction of the criminal group “Los Chapitos,” who allegedly mistook the miners for members of “Los Mayos.” Both organizations are reportedly competing for control of the drug trade in Sinaloa.
He said that more information is expected as the investigation progresses, as well as additional arrests related to the case, to clarify the motive and responsibility.
When asked if there had been any complaints of extortion from Viszla Silver, the Canadian company for which the miners worked, García Harfuch noted that there were no such reports, a statement reiterated by the Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum.
“There was no particular complaint about extortion, but it is important to be in contact with the different mining companies in our country anyway,” Sheinbaum underlined.
However, García Harfuch acknowledged that extortions have been identified not only in mining companies but also across various sectors.
As of Monday, Mexico’s Prosecutor General’s Office (FGR) confirmed the discovery and identification of five of the 10 missing miners, who will be transferred to Zacatecas (in two cases), Chihuahua, Sonora, and Guerrero (regarding the other three).
The FGR added that five more bodies found in the same location are undergoing identification.
The office also emphasized that the search for evidence and any information continues.
Sheinbaum specified that her government has not had direct contact with the Viszla Silver Company, though she acknowledged contact with the Sinaloa state government.
According to the testimony of relatives of the disappeared cited by local media, the miners were allegedly illegally deprived of their liberty by an armed commando on the morning of Jan. 23.
Sinaloa is one of the country’s main mineral-producing states, which is facing a persistent wave of violence and insecurity linked to organized crime, affecting local communities and productive sectors, including the mining industry. EFE
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