Mexican authorities have confirmed that five of the ten workers abducted last month from a mine in Sinaloa have been found dead. The bodies were discovered on a property in the rural area of El Verde, while efforts continue to identify the remains of the remaining five. The Attorney General’s Office stated that prosecutors are maintaining regular contact with the victims’ families and that four suspects were arrested last week in connection with the case. The motive behind the killings remains unclear.

The mine is operated by Vancouver-based company Vizsla Silver, which reported that many families have now recovered their relatives’ bodies. Company president and CEO Michael Konnert expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to locating the missing workers and supporting affected families. Vizsla Silver said the abduction occurred on January 28 and was immediately reported to local authorities.

The Sinaloa region has seen escalating violence linked to rival gangs associated with cartel figures Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. According to local daily Milenio, more than 1,680 homicides have been recorded in the state so far in 2025, marking it as one of the most violent years in a decade.