Criminal Networks Flourish as Corruption Plagues Peru

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences on various aspects of life in Peru, including an exacerbation of corruption. As a result, criminal networks have been able to thrive, providing protection to criminals and engaging in illegal activities such as timber trafficking.

Criminal Networks and Their Activities

Criminal groups, both domestic and foreign, are active in the country. In regions like Loreto and Ucayali, small mafia-style groups primarily engage in timber trafficking. Foreign criminal groups, including those from the Balkans, Venezuela, Italy, Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador, are also involved in illegal activities such as cocaine trafficking to Europe, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and other forms of organized crime.

Complicity by Companies

Companies have been complicit in these illegal activities, particularly in the gold mining industry. They buy large quantities of gold from illegal miners at reduced prices. In the case of illegal logging, legal transport companies are used to move products with fake documentation.

Political Instability and Corruption

Peru’s political landscape has been plagued by instability, with the current president facing widespread opposition and criticism following her appointment. The lack of democratic legitimacy in the executive and legislative branches of government has led to protests and calls for all politicians to step down. Corruption remains a major issue, with numerous political elites facing allegations of corruption and human rights violations.

Judiciary Independence and Challenges

Peru’s judiciary has demonstrated independence and resilience in high-profile cases, but access to information is limited, and there is no independent appeals body in place. Many laws are not adequately enforced, and criminal procedures tend to be weak and slow.

Prisons and Law Enforcement

Peru’s prisons are overcrowded, a significant problem across the country. Budget cuts and transfers of officers to other departments have raised concerns of political retaliation and weakened investigations into corruption and organized crime. Despite these challenges, police effectiveness in crime prevention and control is minimal due to budget constraints.

Organized Crime and Human Smuggling

Organized groups have taken control of Peru’s northern border with Ecuador and southern borders with Bolivia and Chile, targeting Venezuelans, minors, and Peruvians for human smuggling activities. The country’s strategic location makes it a hub for the cocaine trade, with authorities reporting an increase in cocaine production in border areas.

Human Rights Concerns

Peru recognizes human trafficking and migrant smuggling as crimes against human dignity and provides means to compensate victims. However, support services for LGBTQ+ and male victims have remained limited. Journalists in Peru face judicial harassment, physical and verbal abuse by political activists, and inadequate protection despite press freedom guarantees.

Environmental Defenders and Human Rights Abuses

Environmental defenders have been killed by actors linked to drug trafficking, illegal logging, and mining, leading to human rights abuses. Non-state actors reporting on corruption and criminal organizations in remote areas face violence and even death. The political turmoil and violent demonstrations since the impeachment of former president Pedro Castillo have raised concerns about potential human rights abuses in the country.

Conclusion

Limited access to public information and inadequate protection for journalists compound the situation, making it a challenging environment for those working to expose corruption and criminal activity. Despite these challenges, Peru has dismantled several mafia-style groups involved in contract killings, kidnappings, extortion, and trafficking. However, addressing corruption and organized crime will require a sustained effort from the government and civil society.