Illegal Mine in Azuay Concealed Eight Dismembered Bodies

Ecuadorian police discovered eight bodies secretly buried inside an illegal mine in the southern province of Azuay on Sunday.

The bodies were found about two meters underground, and the victims’ hands were tied. Their bodies bore severe injuries, including dismemberment and decapitation, inflicted with machetes.

“The bodies were buried at a depth of about two meters,” Pablo Iga, a senior judicial police officer, told the media.

The discovery was made in the Pucará area, where illegal gold and copper mining has increased significantly in recent years. Los Lobos (“The Wolves”) is considered the criminal gang that dominates the territory.

Authorities suspect the victims had been buried about two days before they were discovered. Their identities have not yet been established.

Police forces had arrived in the hard-to-reach area following reports of gunfire. During searches, they found the bodies buried in the illegal mine.

Meanwhile, local residents have notified the authorities that their relatives are missing. Investigations are continuing to identify the victims and determine the circumstances of the killings.

The incident comes as Ecuador is experiencing high levels of violence linked to criminal gang activity.

Although right-wing President Daniel Noboa has declared “war” on gangs and pursued a policy against them, the violence has not stopped. Criminal groups are fighting for control of drug trafficking routes and illegal mining operations.

Azuay is one of ten Ecuadorian provinces that have been under a state of emergency since June due to a rise in gun violence.

Once regarded as one of Latin America’s most peaceful countries, Ecuador has faced a sharp rise in crime in recent years. According to InSight Crime data, the homicide rate reached 51 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025, the highest level in South America.