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Tragic Discovery: Three Vizsla Silver Employees Found Deceased in Mass Grave After Abduction in Mexico
February 9 – A somber development has emerged from Mexico as three employees of Canadian silver mining company Vizsla Silver have been found deceased in a mass grave, following their abduction from a project site in late January.
Vizsla Silver confirmed on Monday that the families of the abducted employees had identified their loved ones. The individuals were taken from a housing development near the company’s mining project in La Concordia, Mexico, approximately two weeks ago.
The abduction, which occurred on January 23, prompted Vizsla to immediately suspend all operations at the project. The company engaged crisis management and security response teams and collaborated closely with Mexican officials, who deployed over 1,200 personnel in a large-scale search-and-rescue effort.
“We are devastated by this outcome and the tragic loss of life,” stated Michael Konnert, President and CEO of Vizsla. “Our focus remains on the safe recovery of those who remain missing and on supporting all affected families and our people during this incredibly difficult time.”
The kidnapped employees, who include engineers, geologists, and security personnel, were first reported missing on January 24. Vizsla officially confirmed the kidnapping and the suspension of mine operations on January 28. Reports indicate that eight of the ten abducted men are Mexican nationals.
During a press conference on Monday, Mexican authorities disclosed that the remains were discovered in an advanced state of decomposition within a mass grave in El Verde, a community situated north of La Concordia and the mining site. While officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of human remains found, family members identified their relatives after the bodies were located late last week.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that several arrests have been made in connection with the abduction, and the arrested individuals are cooperating with prosecutors. However, the other seven abducted individuals remain missing.
Mexican law enforcement officials suspect that the Vizsla employees were abducted by one of the factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. These factions have been engaged in ongoing conflict for the past year and a half. The specific cell believed to be responsible for the kidnapping is reportedly linked to Los Chapitos, a faction loyal to the sons of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, who were separately arrested and incarcerated in the United States last year.