Currently, in Panama, the Gulf Clan is conducting investigations into money laundering through illegal mining in the Darién region. As Pérez explains, these areas are the perfect target because they are vulnerable due to their proximity to Colombian populations, where, due to a criminal culture, clandestine explorations are financed by Colombian organized crime. However, this is not the business of small-scale miners. The Darién jungle, this green frontier between Panama and Colombia, famous for its biodiversity and use as a migration route, hides another secret: the gold from illegal mining that devastates the land like a cancer, corrodes communities, fuels drug trafficking and corruption, and leaves a trail of death that operates in broad daylight under the direct control of one of Colombia's most feared cartels: the Gulf Clan. Since 2022, the illegal gold rush has grown alarmingly. "Illegal mining has increased considerably, significantly affecting the environment and biodiversity of the Darién province," states Sub-Commissioner Eric Pérez, Director of Operations of the National Border Service (Senafront). The rivers Balsas, the lands of Alto Tuira, and the Caribbean area have become the new El Dorado for criminals. They finance the Gulf Clan's vast criminal machinery. Subsequently, when they reach the Colombian border, they are escorted by the armed component," emphasizes Pérez. And in the midst of this storm, the communities. "The Gulf Clan's support networks travel to Darién, where the ideological transfer with their policy of mass organization influences the most remote populations, gaining control over time," warns Pérez. "Currently, it is a single organization; for example, the armed component guards the routes and camp zones, but also registers the miners until they arrive at the sales center," describes Pérez. The sub-commissioner's response is cold and reflects a complex reality: "Currently, they are not considered victims given that the crime of illegal mining has been emphasized to them." The same routes used for drugs are opened by excavators, which not only search for gold but also pave the way for cocaine trafficking. The final destination of the clean money is often abroad: "The money obtained from illegal mining sometimes stays in Panama, but due to current demand, it is illegally exported to Europe or the United States." Shared routes and devastation It is not two separate networks, but one with two branches: drug trafficking and mining. The Gulf Clan has laid its hands on the territory and the people. And yes, this mixes with legal gold to infiltrate commercial chains. Senafront's evidence points to the leaders: "Alberto Vega Albarragán (a) Monseñor, leader of the substructure Efrén Vargas Gutiérrez and Pablo José Montalvo Cuitiva." With such profits, the risk seems worth it for some. Future prospects Statistical data from Senafront reveal that operations such as "Sovereignty #3, Elías 30, Sentinel 2.0, Lighthouse, Mangrove, Odin I" have yielded results: "96 apprehensions, 70% of whom were Colombian and the remaining 30% Panamanian; in addition, 8 camps have been dismantled. The challenge is monumental, as recognized by the Director of Operations: "The challenges are global; until the demand for gold decreases, organizations will find ways to commit the crime." The future Pérez paints is bleak if not acted upon with firmness. "The global world situation is what has made Panamanian and Colombian citizens look closely at the crime (in 2022, a gram of gold was sold for about $45.00 and currently it is traded at $130)". Pressure on drug trafficking could open the doors to an even greater evil. Victims or collaborators? The center of financial control, however, seems to lie on the other side of the border: "It is known that the strong logistics and million-dollar control are in the South of Bolívar and the Department of Chocó (Colombia)." The money laundering mechanism is apparently simple but effective. "The more seizures there are, the higher the price of drugs will be at their destination and consumption, which will open the door to synthetic drugs due to the absence of coca, opium, and marijuana derivatives," explains him. Call to conscience "Firstly, awareness programs should be carried out through which it is explained to the villagers that, although mining can be a source of income, in the long term it will cause health problems in their environment, since most of the populations of Darién depend on the rivers and are their greatest wealth, which will become contaminated and unusable due to the effects of mercury use," he concludes. The armament is discreet but sufficient: "Strategically, the Gulf Clan does not use major weaponry... they usually use short-barreled weapons. Far from being simple 'protectors', the cartel has taken command. It is no longer just about extracting the metal. "If the demand for gold continues to rise globally, Panama will not be left out of the increase in illegal mining." "Criminal organizations have recruited Panamanian nationals, who inject the logistical factor for the creation of legalized companies in Panamanian territory for the purchase and sale of gold in pawnshops and the like," reveals Pérez. They have taken direct control of the miners, forcing them upon their return to sell the gold below its price and additionally charging the so-called 'war tax,' which is 30% for the mining organization," he highlighted. Laundering and flow of illicit capital The millions generated by this gold do not stay in the jungle. Criminal organizations have perfected their modus operandi, infiltrating the formal economy. Their vulnerability. The reason? The heavy machinery causes "effects on the environment, starting with water contamination, land degradation, as well as the alteration of river and creek beds," a damage that, for many communities, is irreversible, points out. Profile of the violence It is not about gunfights, but a silent and corrupting occupation. The magnet is money. "The purchase of scrap gold in different places of the Republic of Panama" is the most common method identified for laundering illegal gold. "There is evidence from previous operations and the monitoring given to the villagers of the province, that is, from the first buyer to its destination," confirms the sub-commissioner.
