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Written question asked by Lord Robathan (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 March 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 April 2022. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 April 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Venezuela: Wagner Group

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the Wagner Group's reported activities in Venezuela, including reports of involvement in gold mining.

Answer

We are deeply concerned by Wagner Group deployments to the Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Sudan, Syria and Ukraine. We continue to monitor reports of Russian mercenaries in Venezuela, including reports that mercenaries who are either part of or affiliated to the Wagner Group have conducted activities in support of the Maduro regime.

Illegal gold mining in Venezuela involves very serious human rights abuses at scale and is causing significant environmental and wider social damage, especially in the Arco Minero region. Russian private military companies are reported to be active in this area.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7456
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Mining Gold Venezuela Wagner Group
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk