Peruvian Police dismantle extortion gang in Puente Piedra

The Peruvian National Police (PNP) conducted an operation in the Puente Piedra district of Lima, resulting in the arrest of six individuals suspected of being members of the criminal group ‘Los Remanentes del Tren de Aragua’. The suspects, identified as Venezuelan nationals, were apprehended at a property in the Villa Los Olivos housing association, which authorities believe served as an operational base.

During the raid, police seized restricted firearms, ammunition, vehicles, mobile devices, and a war grenade, which required a controlled detonation by the UDEX explosives unit. Investigators also recovered a notebook containing records of extortion demands. The notes allegedly detailed weekly payments of up to S/80 per vehicle demanded from several transport companies, including Etuchisa, Vipusa, El Chino, and Virgen de la Puerta.

General José Antonio Zavala, head of the National Criminal Investigation Directorate (Dirnic), stated that the detainees admitted in preliminary statements to extorting public transport operators and construction workers. Authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of the organization's activities and identify further victims.