Peru police report surge in crime and organized‑crime operations across regions
The National Police of Peru recorded 1,359 extortion complaints in La Libertad between January and May 2026, an average of nine reports per day, while noting a 34.9% decrease from the same period in 2025.
The Ministry of the Interior validated a national diagnostic study on sicariato, extortion and organized crime, aiming to guide new policies and improve intelligence tools to combat expanding criminal networks, including the recruitment of minors and illegal arms trafficking.
In Lambayeque, police operations detained more than 10,000 individuals for various offenses since the start of 2026, but only about 200 have been placed in prison, highlighting constraints in the current penal legislation.
The police cyber‑crime unit in Piura is investigating a mass‑mail threat campaign that targeted over 50 public institutions, using disposable email accounts and alleged identity spoofing.
Meanwhile, in Puno, authorities seized more than seven million soles worth of illegal cigarettes in two separate raids, intercepting shipments from Bolivia and Paraguay intended for the Lima market.