Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Friday that the country’s Attorney General’s Office is looking into potential involvement of a Canadian mining company in the recent kidnapping of 10 of its employees, suspected to be linked to a cartel. Sheinbaum stated that the investigation, led by Attorney General Ernestina Godoy Ramos, will focus on the circumstances surrounding the abductions that took place on January 23.
During a press conference in Mexico City, Sheinbaum emphasized the need to scrutinize the working conditions of the miners employed by Vizsla Silver Corp. and determine if any responsibility lies with the company’s staff. Additionally, the Attorney General’s Office is exploring the possibility of extortion or threats being factors in the kidnapping incident.
The workers were taken from a secured residential area in Concordia, Sinaloa. Tragically, five bodies have been discovered near El Verde, with more bodies and human remains yet to be identified. Mexican authorities have linked the kidnappings to a faction of the Sinaloa cartel known as Los Chapitos, engaged in a violent conflict with a rival faction loyal to El Mayo Zambada’s son.
In a related incident, an engineer from another company was also abducted on the same day in the vicinity while waiting for transportation to a worksite near Vizsla Silver’s operations. The engineer remains missing, with federal authorities yet to comment on the situation. Despite initial speculation of a mistaken identity, Sheinbaum confirmed a thorough investigation will be conducted.
Family members of the victims reported a tense work environment, mentioning gunfire near the compound and armed individuals conducting irregular vehicle searches. Vizsla Silver Corp. has affirmed its commitment to strict security measures and ethical practices. Canada’s ambassador to Mexico expressed solidarity with the affected families, while the Canadian Embassy called for accountability for those responsible for the heinous crime.