Peru authorities conduct operations against illegal mining and criminal groups

Security forces in Peru have launched several operations targeting illegal mining and organized crime. In the Pataz province of the La Libertad region, a joint intervention by the Armed Forces and the National Police resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals and the seizure of an arsenal of weapons, ammunition, and explosives. Among those detained are alleged members of the criminal organization ‘La Gran Alianza’, including Juver Jair Carbajal Cruz, also known as ‘Goku’.

In Madre de Dios, a coordinated operation involving the Army, National Police, and the Public Ministry destroyed more than 30 illegal mining camps in the Tambopata area. Additionally, the Environmental Crime Prevention Prosecutor's Office in Cañete detained eight people for alleged illegal mining activities.

These actions occur amid reports that illegal mining continues to be a significant driver of organized crime, with some analyses suggesting sales could exceed US$10 billion by 2025.