# Ongoing crackdown on gangs, extortion, and illegal mining

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/peru-police-crackdown-on-armed-extortion-gangs
> Updated: 2026-09-15T02:15:43.000Z. Sources: 95. Developments: 44.

Peruvian security forces have maintained a multi-regional offensive against organized crime, illegal mining, and extortion. Throughout mid-2026, operations targeted various criminal networks, including the dismantling of the “gota a gota” loan gang in Piura, the “La Red del Silencio” extortion ring in Lima and Callao, and “Los Malditos Carroñeros” in San Martín de Porres. Gang-related violence remains prevalent, with notable incidents including the dismantling of “Los tentáculos de Los Pulpos” in Trujillo and “Los Gatilleros de León” in Pueblo Nuevo. Extortion via explosives continues to plague the country. Recent actions dismantled “Los Goteros del Norte” in Sullana and “Los Fríos de Parcona” in Ica following bombings. In La Libertad, the gang “Los Lechuzas” has threatened truck drivers with arson, while the “Los Patrones del Cupo” network was targeted in San Martín de Porres. High-profile robberies, such as a S/500,000 theft in Chiclayo and gold bullion heists in Surco, underscore the persistent threat to commerce and individuals. Illegal mining remains a critical security and environmental concern. In Pataz, the “Triángulo de las Bermudas” operation and an explosive attack on the Poderosa mine highlight the volatility of the region. Authorities have intensified interdiction in Madre de Dios and Puno, destroying illegal mining assets and seizing significant quantities of gold. In early September 2026, police in Tumbes arrested two members of “Los Bolongos de Zarumilla” following an armed confrontation, while in Puerto Maldonado, three individuals linked to “Los Cazadores de Tambopata” were detained for allegedly planning robberies against mining camps. In mid-September 2026, authorities expanded interdiction efforts to Cusco. In the Colquemarca district of Chumbivilcas, the Public Prosecutor's Office and National Police raided illegal mining camps in Choccoyo, destroying heavy machinery, mineral washing stations, leaching ponds, loaders, motorcycles, and water pumps.

## Claims

- Arequipa recorded 105 alerts regarding damage to cultural heritage sites through August 19, 2026. (disputed)
- Illegal mining activities were detected in the Mollaque archaeological landscape in Palpa. (single source)
- A joint inspection was conducted by the Ministry of Culture, the Public Ministry, and the National Police in Palpa. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: Chumbivilcas illegal mining investigation leads to preventive detention

Four individuals face nine months of preventive detention in Chumbivilcas, Peru, for illegal gold mining that caused significant environmental damage to local water sources.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chumbivilcas-illegal-mining-investigation-leads-to-preventive-detention

### 2026-09-14: Authorities intervene in illegal mining in Peru and address amoeba detection in Mexico

Authorities in Peru dismantled illegal mining camps in Cusco to prevent water contamination, while Yucatán, Mexico, closed a local lake following the detection of Naegleria fowleri.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/authorities-intervene-in-illegal-mining-in-peru-and-address-amoeba-detection-in-mexico

### 2026-09-09: Peru targets illegal mining via diesel supply controls

Peru is implementing a logistical strangulation strategy to combat illegal mining by cutting off the diesel supply to heavy machinery in regions like Madre de Dios.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-targets-illegal-mining-via-diesel-supply-controls

### 2026-09-09: Chumbivilcas authorities destroy illegal mining machinery in Cusco

Police destroyed heavy machinery and processing facilities during an interdiction operation against illegal gold and copper mining in Choccoyo, Cusco.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chumbivilcas-authorities-destroy-illegal-mining-machinery-in-cusco

### 2026-09-06: Peruvian police arrest members of two criminal organizations

Peruvian police arrested members of two criminal groups in Tumbes and Madre de Dios following armed confrontations and the discovery of a plot to rob mining camps.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-police-arrest-members-of-two-criminal-organizations

### 2026-09-02: Peru detects illegal mining in Mollaque archaeological landscape

Authorities in Peru have identified illegal mining in the Mollaque archaeological landscape and reported 105 instances of damage to cultural heritage sites in Arequipa this year.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-detects-illegal-mining-in-mollaque-archaeological-landscape

### 2026-08-31: Mining production trends shift in Chile and Peru

Chilean copper production has fallen to its lowest level since 2003 due to weather and maintenance, while Peru reports growth in iron and tin amid intensified government crackdowns on illegal mining.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-conducts-90-operations-against-illegal-mining-in-two-weeks

### 2026-08-26: Illegal mining threatens Peru's Bahuaja Sonene National Park

Illegal mining is threatening Peru's Bahuaja Sonene National Park buffer zones, prompting police operations that destroyed over S/11 million in illicit equipment in Madre de Dios and Cajamarca.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/illegal-mining-threatens-perus-bahuaja-sonene-national-park

### 2026-08-23: Peru authorities seize gold and destroy illegal mining assets

Peruvian prosecutors have seized gold ingots and destroyed millions in illegal mining equipment as part of ongoing operations against money laundering and illicit mining activities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-authorities-seize-gold-and-destroy-illegal-mining-assets

### 2026-08-20: Peru police conduct major operations against illegal mining and organized crime

Peruvian police have launched widespread operations against illegal mining in Madre de Dios and Áncash, while dismantling several organized crime gangs involved in extortion and robbery.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-police-arrest-robbery-suspects-and-dismantle-extortion-ring

### 2026-08-12: Criminal attacks reported in Peru and Colombia

Criminal incidents were reported in South America, including an armed bus robbery in Puno, Peru, and an attack on Cerrejón’s railway infrastructure in La Guajira, Colombia.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/criminal-attacks-reported-in-peru-and-colombia

### 2026-08-09: Police operations in Peru and Colombia target criminal groups

Police in Peru arrested two extortionists following an attempted vehicle arson in Arequipa, while Colombian authorities killed two suspected ELN leaders during an armed clash in Santander.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-operations-in-peru-and-colombia-target-criminal-groups

### 2026-07-31: Peru's Police Get US Funding and Telecom Training to Fight Organized Crime

The US will fund a new Complex Crime Investigation Unit for Peru's police, while telecom firm Claro trains officers on telecom data to better tackle organized crime and extortion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/perus-police-get-us-funding-and-telecom-training-to-fight-organized-crime

### 2026-07-20: Peru police probe armed extortion shootings in Lima districts

Two motorcycle‑linked shootings in Lima – a residential home in Surco and a chicharronería in Callao – left no injuries but involved extortion threats demanding 10,000 soles; police are investigating.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-police-probe-armed-extortion-shootings-in-lima-districts

### 2026-07-19: Piura regional government urged to prioritize crackdown on informal mining

Mining professor Eusebio Cruz Ruiz urges Piura’s new regional government to prioritize formalising informal mining, boosting oversight and community involvement to curb environmental damage and boost the local

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/piura-regional-government-urged-to-prioritize-crackdown-on-informal-mining

### 2026-07-18: Peruvian police detain Venezuelan suspects in armed bus attack

Peruvian police arrested two Venezuelan suspects on Panamericana Norte, seizing weapons, a grenade and an extortion note, and linking them to a series of attacks on inter‑provincial buses.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-police-detain-venezuelan-suspects-in-armed-bus-attack

### 2026-07-17: Peru launches anti‑trafficking campaign in Juliaca and upgrades security assets in Pisco

Peru's Puno region launches a human‑trafficking awareness drive in Juliaca, while Pisco province upgrades security with new vehicles and equipment.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-launches-antitrafficking-campaign-in-juliaca-and-upgrades-security-assets-in-pisco

### 2026-07-11: Peruvian police capture armed robbers in Lima shop attacks

Police in Lima, Peru, captured four suspects after an armed robbery of two fertilizer stores in El Partidor‑Las Lomas, and two suspects in a Coolbox tech store robbery in Los Olivos, linking both to armed gangs

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-police-capture-armed-robbers-in-lima-shop-attacks

### 2026-07-11: Police Detain ‘El Tunche’ with Dynamite in Catacaos, Peru

Police arrested “El Tunche” and his father in Catacaos, Peru, seizing three dynamite cartridges and linking them to the extortion gang La Hermandad de Piura.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-detain-el-tunche-with-dynamite-in-catacaos-peru

### 2026-07-10: Peruvian police dismantle two alleged explosive‑extortion gangs

Peruvian police captured members of two suspected bomb‑extortion gangs in Sullana and Parcona, seizing explosives, vehicles and phones while investigating related attacks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-police-dismantle-two-alleged-explosiveextortion-gangs

### 2026-07-10: Cura Mori district in Peru faces surge in thefts and robberies

Cura Mori district, Peru, sees rising thefts: rice stolen from farmer Alejandro Vílchez, donkeys taken from Esther Castro, and a home burglary in Ciudad de Dios, prompting calls for more security.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cura-mori-district-in-peru-faces-surge-in-thefts-and-robberies

### 2026-07-10: Armed gold robbery in Surco, Lima injures driver and steals bullion

Armed thieves stopped a vehicle in Surco, Lima, wounding the driver and stealing a gold‑filled backpack; a co‑driver is missing. It follows a similar March robbery, with suspects tied to Callao.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armed-gold-robbery-in-surco-lima-injures-driver-and-steals-bullion

### 2026-07-10: La Libertad reports lower homicide count amid rising extortion and explosive attacks

In La Libertad, homicides fell to 122 in the first half of 2026, but extortion complaints and bomb attacks remain high; police also seized over 5,200 dynamite cartridges tied to illegal mining.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/la-libertad-reports-lower-homicide-count-amid-rising-extortion-and-explosive-attacks

### 2026-07-09: Peruvian police seize cocaine, arrest drug suspects and confiscate counterfeit shoes in multiple operations

Peruvian police arrested drug suspects in Sullana, seized counterfeit sneakers worth 495 000 soles in Tacna, captured homicide suspects in Callao and recovered stolen vehicles in Puno.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-police-seize-over-s47000-in-illicit-oil-from-talara-storage-sites

### 2026-07-07: Peru's Pataz province sees armed clash over illegal mining; dialogue table set up in Caravelí

An armed clash between illegal miners and the military occurred in Peru's Pataz province, while a dialogue table was created between a community and the Caravelí mining firm to ease mining tensions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pataz-peru-faces-investigation-into-military-antiillegal-mining-operations-and-new-communitymining-d

### 2026-07-07: Criminal gang threatens La Libertad truckers with arson as minors seized with firearms

In Peru's La Libertad, the “Los Lechuzas” gang threatened truckers with arson over extortion payments, while police seized firearms and arrested minors in Trujillo and Virú.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/criminal-gang-threatens-la-libertad-truckers-with-arson-as-minors-seized-with-firearms

### 2026-07-01: Peruvian Police Bust Extortion Ring in Lima, Seize Weapons and Cash

Peruvian police arrested a couple linked to the extortion gang Los Injertos del Sur in Lima, seizing guns, ammunition, cash and phone equipment.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-police-bust-extortion-ring-in-lima-seize-weapons-and-cash

### 2026-06-30: Pataz province, Peru sees rise in illegal‑mining violence and community outreach

Explosive attack injures two at Minera Poderosa in Pataz; SNMPE urges stronger security as illegal miners aim to create a “zona liberada.” The company also backs a student‑leadership meeting for 47 pupils from

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pataz-province-peru-sees-rise-in-illegalmining-violence-and-community-outreach

### 2026-06-29: Police thwart armed robbery at Mass store in Piura, Peru

Police stopped an armed robbery at a Piura Mass store, detained suspect Alex Solano Arévalo of a local gang and seized a gun and cash.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-thwart-armed-robbery-at-mass-store-in-piura-peru

### 2026-06-27: Chiclayo, Peru sees teen kidnapping case and church electronics theft

Chiclayo faces a teen kidnapping and alleged rape case involving Junior Fiestas Gonzáles, plus a church robbery that stole electronics and cash.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chiclayo-peru-sees-teen-kidnapping-case-and-church-electronics-theft

### 2026-06-26: Peru's controversial crime‑law reforms and Quito's community safety initiatives

Peru faces criticism over new “pro‑crime” laws that may hinder crime fighting, while Quito residents launch neighborhood actions to improve security.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/perus-controversial-crimelaw-reforms-and-quitos-community-safety-initiatives

### 2026-06-25: Police Detain Suspected Members of ‘Los Gatilleros de León’ Gang in Peru

Peruvian police detained two alleged members of “Los gatilleros de León” after finding a dum‑dum bullet and a gunshot wound, linking them to a recent motorbike taxi shooting.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-detain-suspected-members-of-los-gatilleros-de-len-gang-in-peru

### 2026-06-25: Peru police report surge in crime and organized‑crime operations across regions

Peruvian authorities reported high crime levels: 1,359 extortion complaints in La Libertad, a new organized‑crime diagnosis, over 10,000 arrests in Lambayeque with few jailed, a cyber‑threat email probe in Piua

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/perus-interior-ministry-releases-diagnostic-to-curb-sicariato-and-organized-crime

### 2026-06-24: Poderosa mine in Peru attacked, two workers injured

Unidentified attackers bombed Poderosa’s Santa María offices in Pataz, Peru, injuring two contract workers and damaging facilities; authorities and the mining federation condemned the act and urged stronger ant

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poderosa-mine-in-peru-attacked-two-workers-injured

### 2026-06-24: Peru police raid busts 'La Red del Silencio' extortion ring

Peruvian authorities arrested 25 members of the “La Red del Silencio” extortion gang in a raid across 21 sites, targeting a network that demanded daily fees from over 190 public‑transport vehicles.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-police-raid-busts-la-red-del-silencio-extortion-ring

### 2026-06-23: Peru court orders pre‑trial detention for nine members of 'Los Miserables de Trujillo' gang

Peruvian authorities detained nine alleged members of “Los Miserables de Trujillo”, accusing them of extortion, illegal weapons and organized land invasions in La Libertad; they face 14‑18 months of pre‑trial拘禁

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-court-orders-pretrial-detention-for-nine-members-of-los-miserables-de-trujillo-gang

### 2026-06-22: Lima police capture suspect in armed robbery at La Merced church

Lima police captured 30‑year‑old Walter Trujillo after an armed robbery inside La Merced church left a money changer wounded and stole about 52,000 soles; three suspects remain at large.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armed-robbery-of-money-changer-inside-limas-la-merced-church-leaves-victim-wounded

### 2026-06-19: Peruvian police dismantle 'Los tentáculos de Los Pulpos' gang in Trujillo

Peruvian police busted the “Los tentáculos de Los Pulpos” gang in Trujillo, arresting three members—including a 17‑year‑old who filmed the killing of Giancarlo Cruz—seizing weapons and evidence.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-police-dismantle-los-tentculos-de-los-pulpos-gang-in-trujillo

### 2026-06-18: Peruvian police dismantle two criminal gangs in Lima and Arequipa

Peruvian police captured members of two gangs – an extortion ring in Lima involving a comedian and a cellphone‑theft group in Arequipa – seizing weapons, explosives and stolen phones.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-police-dismantle-two-criminal-gangs-in-lima-and-arequipa

### 2026-06-18: Peruvian gang Los Lechuceros implicated in victim disposal plan

Peruvian gang Los Lechuceros members discussed dumping a murder victim’s body; prosecutors secured 30‑month pre‑trial detention for 12 suspects, including “Huaype” and “Chupete,” linked to the death of Luis Gar

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-gang-los-lechuceros-implicated-in-victim-disposal-plan

### 2026-06-18: Armed robbery in Chiclayo home steals S/500,000; similar theft of S/10,000 from Tacna cambist

In Peru, an armed gang stole S/500,000 from a Chiclayo family home, while a separate theft of S/10,000 targeted a Tacna cambist, both prompting police investigations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armed-robbery-in-chiclayo-home-steals-s500000-similar-theft-of-s10000-from-tacna-cambist

### 2026-06-17: Peruvian forces seize weapons and detain two gang members in Pataz mining raid

Peruvian military and police raided a mine in Los Cedros, Pataz, detaining two alleged gang members and confiscating a rifle, pistol, ammo and other gear.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-forces-seize-weapons-and-detain-two-gang-members-in-pataz-mining-raid

### 2026-06-17: Peruvian police arrest suspects in gang‑related crimes across Juliaca, Lurín, Camaná and Chimbote

Peruvian police arrested suspects in four operations targeting theft, drug trafficking and extortion gangs in Juliaca, Chimbote, Lurín and Camaná.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-police-dismantle-la-seguridad-del-sur-gang-in-lurn

### 2026-06-07: Peruvian police dismantle alleged 'gota a gota' loan gang, seize cash and explosives

Peruvian police in Piura arrested eight Colombian suspects tied to an informal 'gota a gota' loan network, seizing cash, phones, weapons and explosive materials.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-police-dismantle-alleged-gota-a-gota-loan-gang-seize-cash-and-explosives

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Cite as: Ongoing crackdown on gangs, extortion, and illegal mining. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/peru-police-crackdown-on-armed-extortion-gangs