Mexican authorities confirmed on Monday that five of the 10 employees kidnapped last month from a Canadian-run mine in Sinaloa have been found dead. The Attorney General's Office identified the bodies at a property in El Verde, Sinaloa, and is working to identify remains of five others. The office said, "It is important to note that prosecutorial authorities have remained in contact with the victims’ relatives." Identified bodies will be returned to Zacatecas, Chihuahua, Sonora, and Guerrero states. Four suspects have been arrested, and authorities promised the killings will "not go unpunished," without stating the motive. Vizsla Silver, operator of the Panuco gold and silver mine near Mazatlan, expressed deep sadness. Michael Konnert, CEO, said, "We are devastated by this outcome and the tragic loss of life. Our deepest condolences are with our colleagues’ families, friends and co-workers." The company focuses on recovering those still missing and supporting families. Vizsla Silver reported the kidnapping of its workers on January 28. Sinaloa faces rising gang violence involving factions linked to Sinaloa Cartel cofounders Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. In 2025, the state recorded over 1,680 homicides, marking its most violent year in over a decade, according to Mexican newspaper Milenio.