A simultaneous mega-operation in Lima, Arequipa, and Tumbes dismantled the criminal organization Desa II, involved in extortion and linked to hitmen cases, Interior Minister Carlos Malaver has announced.
The government official detailed that the operation, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, September 9, involved 600 Peruvian National Police officers, who raided 32 properties, including a wing of Huacho Prison.
The Cabinet member stated that so far 24 people have been arrested —mostly Venezuelan citizens— including the alleged gang ringleader.
"This individual is believed to have come to reorganize the structure following the fall of Desa I. Criminal behavior is dynamic, but the State responds firmly," Malaver indicated.
During the operation, authorities seized vehicles, electronic equipment, explosives, and cell phones, as well as important documents.
Supported by the Financial Intelligence Unit, 50 bank accounts were frozen, and nearly S/20 million (US$5.70 million) in assets were blocked.
According to investigations, the money came from seven front companies that used the "smurfing" method to divert funds towards Ecuador and Colombia, ultimately bound for Venezuela.
Minister Malaver urged business owners and transport operators who are victims of extortion to file complaints without fear.
"Thanks to this operation, we will clarify several violent crimes. We need victims to cooperate by going to police stations or calling line 111," he emphasized.
The operation, led by the Criminal Investigation Directorate with the support of the Public Ministry (Prosecutor's Office), continues across various locations in Peru.
Authorities confirmed that investigations will continue to determine the possible involvement of inmates at Huacho Prison, as well as to completely dismantle Desa II's financial and operational network.
Linked to Tren de Aragua
In turn, the Public Ministry explained that this criminal organization is also known as “Los Occidentales” (The Westerners). It is made up of Peruvian and Venezuelan citizens.
This illicit network —linked to the Tren de Aragua— operated with brutality and violence in the districts of Northern Lima, targeting owners, partners, drivers, and fare collectors of various transport companies.
According to prosecutorial investigations, the criminal organization allegedly infiltrated WhatsApp groups of the affected companies to demand daily and/or weekly payments under death threats.
If their demands were not met, the extortions were carried out, which also included attacks against drivers and vehicles. At least five people are believed to have died as a result of these criminal acts.
The criminal organization is also believed to have another branch dedicated to money laundering. This is evidenced by the use of fake companies with multiple bank accounts, transactions through digital accounts, cryptocurrencies, and other financial mechanisms to illegally conceal funds.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the illicit funds were allegedly sent to Venezuela and Colombia before returning to Peru in large amounts through front companies.