Peru: 'Los Pulpos' ringleader is now in the hands of Peruvian authorities

Photo: Ministry of Interior of Peru

Photo: Ministry of Interior of Peru

19:51 | Lima, Sep. 1.

Jhonsson Smit Cruz Torres, alias "Jhonsson Pulpo," ringleader of the criminal organization "Los Pulpos," who was captured in Bolivia on Tuesday, is now in the custody of Peruvian police.

Following his arrest this morning in La Paz, Bolivia, Cruz Torres was expelled from the neighboring country a few hours ago.

"Jhonsson Pulpo" was then taken to the Binational Border Assistance Center in Desaguadero, where he was turned over to Peruvian authorities.

According to initial reports, the man once considered Peru's most wanted fugitive, for whom a reward of S/500,000 (about US$148,500) had been offered, is expected to arrive in the southern city of Juliaca in approximately three hours.

Since 2020, "Jhonsson Pulpo" had been a fugitive from justice.

He even had a fraudulent death certificate issued after murdering a merchant.

The Ministry of Interior (Mininter), through the National Superintendence of Migration (Migraciones) and in coordination with Bolivian authorities, secured the return of "Jhonsson Pulpo" to Peru.

The ringleader and his accomplice are now in the custody of the Peruvian National Police.

"Tomorrow, Interior Minister Cesar Astudillo will oversee his transfer to Lima for the relevant proceedings and to turn him over to the Peruvian justice system," the institution announced on X.

(END) KGR/MVB

Publicado: 1/9/2026