Peruvian officials defend police arrests in Trujillo kidnapping case

Peruvian authorities have defended the National Police (PNP) following the arrest of suspects linked to the kidnapping of a businessman and the subsequent murder of four companions in Trujillo. Colonel Víctor Revoredo stated that the operation, which led to the capture of Jhonsson Smith Cruz, utilized advanced technology and received support from the United States government.

Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde Llosa also expressed confidence in the police operations, dismissing social media allegations that the arrests were staged. Belaúnde Llosa noted that the detainees have extensive criminal records involving contract killings and emphasized that the rapid 24-hour response demonstrates institutional efficiency. He further addressed doubts regarding the physical appearance of the suspects by citing vehicle proportions seen in surveillance footage as evidence of the validity of the captures.