The fight against illegal mining regained strength in Lima with a recent judicial measure that seeks to hit the assets of organized crime. The Third Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for Asset Forfeiture obtained the seizure of a gold bar doré valued at more than 2 million soles, in the framework of an investigation for alleged illicit origin of the mineral. The urgent measure was authorized by the Judiciary following the request of the provincial prosecutor. Luis Aguirre Naupari.
The precious metal, 5.77 kilograms and with an approximate economic value of S/ 2 003 713.92was identified as property of Aracelly Gonzales and a private company based in Puno, both under investigation for their alleged links to illegal mining operations and irregular gold trade.
According to the patrimonial investigation, led by provincial deputy prosecutor Cecilia Pérez Breña, no documentation was presented to prove the legal origin of the mineral before the National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (Sunat). On the contrary, the analysis of customs records revealed a series of movements that strengthen the Public Ministry’s hypothesis about the illicit origin of the gold.
The precautionary measure is part of the actions of the Domain Forfeiture Prosecutor’s Office, the body in charge of recover assets linked to serious crimes such as illegal mining, drug trafficking and corruption.
The investigation detected that, although Aracelly Gonzales does not appear as a direct exporter of mineral, between April 2024 and July 2025, 34 Customs Merchandise Declarations (DAM) registered in the name of 31 intermediaries. Among them is the private company also included in the tax investigation.
These documents add up to a total of 168.7 kilograms of gold exported, for a value that exceeds 15 million dollars. The main destinations of the shipments were India and consignees based in the United Arab Emirates, two markets that in recent years have concentrated a good part of gold exports of suspicious origin.
The Asset Forfeiture Prosecutor’s Office maintains ongoing proceedings with the purpose of consolidating evidence that will allow the recovery of assets allegedly linked to the crime.
The Public Ministry highlighted that the seizure measures, such as executed on the doré gold barare essential to stop the profits of networks dedicated to the illegal extraction and marketing of minerals. Furthermore, these actions are part of a sustained effort to strengthen traceability and control over the gold production chain, from its extraction to its departure from the country.
- National Police of Peru (PNP): Through the line 105available 24 hours a day, citizens can directly report any indication or suspicious activity related to illegal mining. Police personnel are prepared to channel the information received to specialized units and coordinate interventions at the scene.
- Public Ministry: Complaints about illegal mining crimes can be presented in person at any fiscal headquarters in the country, especially before a Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Environmental Matters (FEMA). The virtual platform https://denuncias.minp.gob.pe/ is also enabled, where citizens can enter details, evidence and location of the events. FEMA is in charge of investigating and prosecuting these environmental crimes.
- MINAM: The Ministry of the Environment responds to queries and complaints about illegal mining through email at [email protected]. The reports received are referred to the pertinent areas for investigation and environmental inspection.
- Ombudsman’s Office: Those who detect illegal mining activities can contact the Ombudsman’s Office through the toll-free number 0800-15170 or go to the offices distributed throughout the country. The institution provides guidance on the steps to follow, must guarantee the confidentiality of the information and follows up on cases with the responsible authorities.
Remember that it is recommended to present accurate information and, if possible, documentation or evidence that facilitates investigations and actions against illegal mining.
This illicit activity has already claimed the lives of several citizens in various sectors due to the disposal of land.
