Interpol-backed Amazon gold mining crackdowns

Reference TimelineLast updated
SUMMARY

Interpol-backed operations have led to nearly 200 arrests in the Amazon region since January 2026, targeting illegal gold mining and associated crimes like human trafficking and mercury contamination. As of May 29, 2026, a Greenpeace study reveals billions of dollars worth of gold are still being illegally extracted from Brazil's Amazon, with miners falsifying origin permits. Brazilian authorities have intensified enforcement against illegal Bitcoin mining operating alongside illicit gold mining, while a May 23 Interpol-led operation across nine Latin American countries resulted in 225 arrests for environmental crimes, including a significant case in Panama involving child labor. Earlier operations in May destroyed hundreds of illegal dredges along the Madeira River, inflicting an estimated $193 million financial blow to organized crime groups.

Timeline

Want updates on this thread?

Track this story

August 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Operation Green Shield Concludes With Over 800 Arrests in Amazon Environmental Crime Crackdown

    Operation Green Shield concluded in August 2026 with over 800 arrests across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru for environmental crimes including illegal mining, logging, and wildlife trafficking. The operation, coordinated by the International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC), seized hundreds of millions of dollars worth of timber, minerals, and livestock.

May 2026 — 5 developments

  1. Greenpeace Study: Billions in Gold Illegally Extracted from Amazon Amidst High Prices

    A Greenpeace study released on May 28, 2026, reveals that billions of dollars worth of gold are still being illegally extracted from Brazil's Amazon rainforest, with miners falsifying origin permits to mask illicit activities amidst record-high gold prices. This follows Interpol-backed "Operation Guyana Shield," which in December arrested nearly 200 individuals involved in illegal gold mining across the Amazon region.

  2. Brazilian Authorities Crack Down on Interconnected Bitcoin and Gold Mining Operations

    Brazilian authorities have intensified enforcement against illegal Bitcoin mining operations that were found to be operating alongside illicit gold mining in the Amazon, forming interconnected criminal networks. This crackdown targeted large-scale electricity theft and criminal ties. The operation is part of a broader effort to combat environmental crimes in the region.

  3. Interpol-Led Operation in Latin America Leads to 225 Arrests for Environmental Crimes

    An Interpol-led operation across nine Latin American countries resulted in 225 arrests for environmental crimes, including illegal gold mining. Investigators identified large areas of deforestation linked to organized criminal groups and a significant case in Panama involved illegal gold mining with child labor, human trafficking, and mercury contamination.

  4. Brazilian police seize equipment in new Amazon illegal mining operation

    Brazilian federal police conducted an operation in May 2026 targeting seven areas of illegal mining in the Amazon, seizing excavators, engines, ATVs, tractors, generators, and diesel fuel. This operation is distinct from previous sweeps that focused on arrests and destroying dredges.

  5. Brazil police destroy illegal dredges, striking $193M blow to Amazon mining crime

    Brazilian police, with Interpol support, destroyed hundreds of illegal dredges along the Madeira River. This operation is estimated to have inflicted a significant financial blow of approximately $193 million on organized crime groups involved in illegal gold mining.

January 2026 — 5 developments

  1. Authorities intercept bus with undocumented migrants, including minors, at Brazil-Guyana border

    Authorities intercepted a bus carrying undocumented migrants, including minors, believed to be exploited for child labor or sexual abuse, during the operation on the Brazil-Guyana border.

  2. Authorities Seize Over $60,000 Worth of Mercury Cylinders

    It was reported that over $60,000 USD worth of mercury cylinders were seized, highlighting the environmental and health risks associated with illegal gold mining.

  3. Police arrest 200 in cross-border operation targeting illegal gold mining

    Police and prosecutors from Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname, backed by Interpol, have arrested nearly 200 people in a joint cross-border operation targeting illegal gold mining. The sweep involved over 24,500 checks and resulted in the seizure of cash, unprocessed gold, mercury worth over $60,000, firearms, drugs, and mining equipment. The operation also uncovered potential human trafficking, with minors believed to be exploited.

  4. Interpol Secretary General Urquiza states illegal gold mining rapidly growing, harming environment

    Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza stated that illegal gold mining is growing rapidly and causing serious harm to the environment and local communities.

  5. Authorities link illegal gold mining networks to major Guyanese exporting firm

    Authorities announced that organized crime networks behind the illegal gold mining operations are linked to a major Guyanese gold exporting firm, signaling deeper cross-border collaboration to disrupt these networks.

December 2025 — 2 developments

  1. Illegal Gold Mining Site Identified in Guyana's Upper Takutu-Upper Esequibo Region

    An illegal gold mining site was identified in the Upper Takutu-Upper Esequibo region of Guyana.

  2. Three men detained in Guyana on suspicion of gold smuggling, money laundering

    Three men were detained in Guyana on suspicion of gold smuggling and money laundering after officers seized unprocessed gold and approximately $590,000 in cash.

November 2025 — 1 developments

May 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Brazil Police Investigate $1.1 Billion Illegal Gold Trading Scheme, Arrest Americans

    The Brazilian Federal Police have launched a significant investigation into an illegal gold trading scheme worth approximately $1.1 billion USD, following the arrest of two American citizens and a Brazilian at Manaus International Airport for transporting 35 kilograms of gold. The investigation has uncovered a complex criminal network with international reach, involving illegal mining, money laundering, and shell companies. Indigenous leaders express frustration over accelerating illegal mining and its environmental impact.