Peru’s Law Enforcement Agencies Accused of Corruption as Crime Thrives

Peru’s law enforcement agencies have been accused of being complicit in organized crime, including providing security for illegal activities such as timber trafficking and drug trafficking. A new report highlights the widespread corruption and lack of effective action against criminal organizations.

Organized Crime Groups

Many criminal groups in Peru are small and operate locally, with some controlling entire regions.
The VRAEM area is controlled by the Shining Path guerrilla group and drug traffickers, while other areas are dominated by mafia-style groups involved in timber trafficking.
Foreign criminal groups from Europe, Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador have also established themselves in Peru.

Corruption at the Highest Levels

Peru’s political leadership is facing widespread criticism for its lack of democratic legitimacy and effectiveness in combating organized crime.
The current president is facing opposition and calls for her resignation, while politicians have been accused of corruption and human rights violations.
The judiciary has shown independence and resilience in high-profile cases, but this has not deterred corruption at the highest levels.

International Cooperation

Peru has engaged in international cooperation efforts to combat corruption and organized crime, including entering into extradition treaties and ratifying relevant conventions.
However, many laws are not adequately enforced, and criminal procedures tend to be weak and slow.

Challenges Facing Law Enforcement Agencies

Prisons are overcrowded, a major problem across the country.
Budget cuts and transfers of officers to other departments have weakened investigations into corruption and organized crime.
Police effectiveness in crime prevention and control is minimal due to budget constraints.

Economic and Financial Environment

Peru has made significant improvements in recent years in preventing money laundering, but there is still a need to prioritize investigations and increase resources to strengthen the operational capacity of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The informal economy has grown, and organized crime is prevalent on the north coast of Peru.

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.
The Ministry of Interior has introduced a Guide for the Prevention of Organized Crime, but its effectiveness is hindered by sporadic implementation and lack of resources.

Journalists Face Harassment and Violence

Journalists in Peru face judicial harassment, physical and verbal abuse by political activists, and inadequate protection despite press freedom guarantees.
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 also face violence and even death.

The situation has been further compounded by the recent impeachment of former president Pedro Castillo, which has raised concerns about potential human rights abuses in the country. Limited access to public information and inadequate protection for journalists who face intimidation and abuse have further exacerbated the problem.