'Cuchillo,' the alleged murderer of 13 miners in Pataz, Peru, has been captured in Colombia
After weeks on the run, 'Cuchillo', the alleged mastermind behind the Pataz massacre, was captured at a Colombian airport while trying to evade justice for the brutal killing of 13 miners in Peru.
The Provincial Corporate Prosecutor’s Office Against Organized Crime of La Libertad - Team 2 successfully achieved the international arrest of Miguel A. Rodríguez Díaz, alias "Cuchillo," in Colombia. Colombian authorities apprehended Rodríguez Díaz at an airport while he was accompanied by his lawyer. He is the main suspect in the brutal massacre of 13 miners in Pataz, located in the La Libertad region of Peru. Meanwhile, in Peru, a preliminary arrest was secured for Liliana E. Pizan Chirado in connection with the case.
The massacre took place on April 25, 2025, when 13 workers from R&R, a private security contractor for La Poderosa mining company, were kidnapped and later found dead inside a mining tunnel. The victims showed signs of torture and execution. Rodríguez Díaz is believed to have orchestrated the attack and has alleged ties to criminal groups involved in illegal mining operations.
Interpol red notice leads to capture of Peruvian Fugitive ‘Cuchillo’ in Colombia following cross-border manhunt
Miguel Rodríguez Díaz, known by the alias “Cuchillo,” was arrested in Colombia around 3:30 p.m. while meeting with a lawyer to discuss his legal situation. His arrest followed the issuance of a preliminary detention order in Peru, according to his attorney Kevin Díaz, who spoke with RPP. According to the defense, Rodríguez Díaz legally entered Colombia on May 5, later traveled to Venezuela for a few days, and returned to Colombia, where he was ultimately apprehended in a joint operation involving the La Libertad Police, Colombian authorities, and Interpol.
Born on January 8, 1990, in Áncash, Peru, Rodríguez Díaz is listed on Interpol’s Red Notice under control number A-6676/5-2025 and case file 2025/34912, issued on May 15, 2025, at the request of the Peruvian government. The arrest warrant was issued by the Transitory Mixed Court of Parcoy, which also serves as the Preliminary Investigation Court of the Superior Court of Justice of La Libertad, under Official Document No. 0042-2025-JMP, signed by Judge Saida Korina Fonseca León.
Peru’s ‘Cuchillo’ accused of ordering massacre of 13 Miners in Pataz amid illegal mining conflict
He is accused of criminal organization, aggravated kidnapping, and qualified homicide. According to the investigation, on April 26, 2025, Rodríguez Díaz allegedly ordered approximately 20 armed men to violently enter a mining tunnel in Pataz, where they subdued and executed 13 security personnel with firearms after a confrontation. The motive behind the attack was reportedly the theft of already extracted mineral. Interpol has described him as dangerous, violent, and likely to flee, with possible movements through countries such as Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Venezuela.
Cuchillo” captured in Colombia; will be deported to Peru to face charges for Pataz massacre. Photo: National Police of Colombia
Rodríguez Díaz was identified by President Dina Boluarte as the main person responsible for the massacre of 13 miners in a region plagued by illegal mining and social conflict. His capture marks a significant step toward justice in the case. His attorney stated they are awaiting the prosecutorial file and case documents in order to file an appeal. Meanwhile, Rodríguez Díaz will be deported to Peru, where he will face trial. The detention order does not expire and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
