On July 12, 2025, a daring armed robbery took place on a remote highway in Puebla, Mexico. A convoy of a mining company was ambushed by 12 armed robbers who, in just 7 minutes, stole 33 tonnes of high-purity gold and silver ore valued at US$234 million. This heist not only exposed severe security flaws in Mexico but also sent shockwaves through the global precious metals market.
The Heist: A Well-Orchestrated Plan
The robbers utilized modified off-road vehicles, signal jammers, and pre-dug mountain escape routes, demonstrating high professionalism and meticulous planning. The entire hijacking process was swift and efficient, with the robbers escaping into the mountains without a trace. The police found the abandoned truck hours later, but the ore was long gone.
Mexico's Security Crisis in the Spotlight
This incident highlights Mexico's security crisis. In the first half of 2025, there were 26,000 highway robberies nationwide, averaging one every 50 minutes. The infiltration of criminal groups into the precious metals supply chain poses a significant threat to the industry.
Market Impact: A Ripple Effect
The theft had far-reaching consequences on the global precious metals market. Silver futures prices surged, driven by supply concerns. The mining company involved, Bacis Group, was forced to switch from land transportation to sea transportation, resulting in a 40% increase in costs. These changes disrupted the market and triggered a chain reaction that extended beyond Mexico's borders.
Government Response: Operation Thunder
In response to the heist, the Mexican government launched "Operation Thunder," deploying 3,000 National Guard troops and enabling drone monitoring. Additionally, a cross-border security agreement was signed with the United States to track the flow of funds and strengthen security cooperation.
The Broader Implications
This incident exposes the vulnerabilities in the supply chain of resource-rich countries. Criminal groups are targeting high-liquidity precious metals to build a "robbery-money laundering" industry chain. Global mining companies must re-evaluate their transportation security, especially for high-value minerals, considering the introduction of military-grade technologies like biometric locks and satellite real-time tracking.
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