# Extortion trends in Peru

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/extortion-trends-in-peru
> Updated: 2026-09-19T18:00:31.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

In 2026, the Peruvian Public Ministry reported a significant rise in extortion, with 13,892 complaints filed nationwide between January and July. The Criminality Observatory noted that the crime is widespread across various jurisdictions.

In the capital, Lima East recorded the highest number of reports with 1,806 cases, followed by Lima Sur, Lima Norte, and Lima Centro. Outside of the capital, the region of La Libertad, specifically Trujillo, was the most affected area with 1,625 cases. Within Lima, the 5,635 complaints were primarily filed by transport workers and merchants.

By September 2026, specific incidents of gang-related extortion continued to emerge. In Sullana, authorities detained three individuals allegedly linked to the ‘Los Cachorros del Norte’ gang for the extortion of a merchant. Additionally, a fatal shooting involving a nightclub security guard was reported in Juliaca.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Criminal activity and fraud reported across Argentina, Peru, and Mexico

Criminal reports from Argentina, Peru, and Mexico highlight rising extortion, fatal shootings, and sophisticated fraud schemes targeting merchants and online sellers.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/extortion-and-criminal-intimidation-reported-in-argentina-and-peru

### 2026-09-02: Peru reports nearly 14,000 extortion complaints in seven months

Peru recorded 13,892 extortion complaints between January and July 2026, with the highest concentrations in Lima East and the La Libertad region.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-reports-nearly-14000-extortion-complaints-in-seven-months

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Cite as: Extortion trends in Peru. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/extortion-trends-in-peru