Feb 11 • 16:00 UTC 🇲🇽 Mexico Milenio (ES)

Rigoberto Gaxiola: the operator of 'El Chapo' who laundered money through mining companies in Sinaloa

Rigoberto Gaxiola, an associate of the notorious drug lord El Chapo, has been implicated in laundering money through mining companies, amidst a backdrop of violence and missing miners in Sinaloa.

The article reports on the arrest of four individuals linked to violent acts associated with the drug trade in Sinaloa, Mexico. These arrests were made in connection to the case of ten miners from Vizsla Silver Corp who had been reported missing shortly before. Despite these arrests marking progress, the authorities were unable to find the miners alive, leading to the discovery of their bodies three days later in a clandestine grave in the El Verde locality. Five of the recovered bodies were confirmed to belong to the missing miners.

The background of the case highlights the growing concern over organized crime's infiltration into legitimate businesses, such as mining. The operations of Rigoberto Gaxiola, who is connected to El Chapo, illustrate how criminal organizations can utilize legal fronts to facilitate money laundering activities. The public outrage stemming from the disappearance and murder of the miners has put pressure on government officials, including Omar García Harfuch, to address the issue of violence and ensure the safety and justice for the families affected.

As the investigation continues, the implications of this case point to a larger narrative of how violence in Mexico is intertwined with the country's economic sectors, particularly in resource-rich areas. The case not only emphasizes the perilous state of those working in mines but also raises questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in tackling organized crime's influence in various industries, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect citizens and combat corruption.

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