Arequipa police investigate new criminal gang ‘Los Alemanes’

Peruvian authorities have identified a new criminal organization, ‘Los Alemanes’, operating in Arequipa. The group reportedly emerged approximately five months ago following a split from an established gang known as ‘Los Orientales’.

Investigations by the Organized Crime Unit of the National Police of Peru (PNP) indicate that the two groups are engaged in a violent dispute over control of illicit activities, including extortion (cobro de cupos) and ‘gota a gota’ predatory lending schemes.

The PNP is currently investigating ‘Los Alemanes’ for their alleged involvement in homicides in the districts of Miraflores and Paucarpata. One specific incident involved members of the group pursuing two Venezuelan citizens in a white vehicle before opening fire.

The suspected leader of the gang, known by the alias ‘Alemán’, is currently incarcerated in the Socaya prison. Authorities are working to transfer him to a high-security facility as they continue to investigate the full scope of the group's operations.