Interpol-backed Amazon gold mining crackdowns

Developing StoryLast updated MAY 23
SUMMARY

Interpol-led operations across nine Latin American countries resulted in 225 arrests for environmental crimes, including illegal gold mining, by May 23, 2026. As of May 23, 2026: authorities continue to target organized criminal groups involved in illegal gold mining, deforestation, and associated crimes like child labor and human trafficking. Brazilian police, with Interpol support, destroyed hundreds of illegal dredges along the Madeira River by May 1, 2026, inflicting an estimated $193 million financial blow to organized crime. Earlier operations in January 2026 saw nearly 200 arrests, the seizure of over $60,000 worth of mercury, and the interception of undocumented migrants, including minors, on the Brazil-Guyana border. These efforts highlight the severe environmental damage and human exploitation linked to illegal gold mining, with organized crime networks tied to a major Guyanese gold exporting firm.

Timeline

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May 2026 — 3 developments

  1. An Interpol-led operation across nine Latin American countries resulted in 225 arrests for environmental crimes, including illegal gold mining.

    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.

  2. Brazilian federal police conducted an operation in May 2026 targeting seven areas of illegal mining …

    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.

  3. Brazilian police, with Interpol support, destroyed hundreds of illegal dredges along the Madeira River.

    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 intercepted a bus carrying undocumented migrants, including minors, believed to be explo…

    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. 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.

    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 and prosecutors from Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname, backed by Interpol, have ar…

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

    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 announced that organized crime networks behind the illegal gold mining operations are li…

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

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

  2. 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.

    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