on Wednesday highlighted the joint efforts carried out by the Peruvian National Police (PNP), the Bolivian police and the FBI to capture the ringleader of the criminal organization "Los Pulpos," Jhonsson Smit Cruz Torres, in the city of La Paz, Bolivia.
"I would like to highlight that this was a joint effort with the Bolivian police, and I thank the Bolivian Government. With the cooperation of the FBI and our National Police, this major objective was achieved," Fujimori said in remarks to the press in Piura region.
The Head of State stressed that "criminal organizations do not recognize borders."
In this regard, she underscored the importance of cooperation with institutions from other countries.
Likewise, the President highlighted that Interior Minister Cesar Astudillo is in Puno region to oversee the transfer of the aforementioned criminal group’s ringleader to Lima and his subsequent relocation to one of the country's prisons.
The Head of State explained that, in response to the events that occurred in Trujillo, she summoned Cabinet Chief Luis Galarreta, as well as Ministers Astudillo (Interior) and Rafael Belaunde (Defense) last Sunday.
"Minister Astudillo had a very personal matter, which, of course, I am not going to comment on, and that is why he could not attend that same Sunday. However, he has been following each of the decisions that have been made subsequently," she added.
In this regard, the top official clarified that Minister Belaunde did not participate in any interrogations, as these were conducted by the National Police.
President Fujimori said the case is still under investigation and indicated that those who were arrested have signed statements confessing to the crime.
"This investigation is ongoing. Therefore, I cannot comment on the other events or reports that are emerging," she said.
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On another matter, the Head of State said there are regulations within the National Police and the Armed Forces that strengthen their institutional framework.
The top official indicated that her government respects each of them as well as the rule of law. However, she stressed that "officials, whoever they may be, are always subject to evaluation."
Regarding the powers requested from Congress on security matters, she said their approval is very important, as they would make it possible to reinforce intelligence capabilities in order to obtain information before events occur; designate not only terrorist groups but also criminal organizations as hostile groups; reinforce a policy of deporting undocumented migrants; take control of prisons; carry out reorganizations; and strengthen the justice administration system.
As for appointments at the Ministry of Education, the President clarified that she had spoken with Minister Jose Antonio Chang about the matter.
"Former Congresswoman Tania Ramirez has resigned from her position at Derrama. I understand that she was qualified, but to avoid any suspicions, she offered her resignation, and it has already been accepted. Therefore, as far as I am concerned, this case is now closed," Fujimori stated.
"As for the appointment of former Congresswoman Diana Gonzalez, I believe she is a great athlete and meets the requirements to lead this sector," she added.
Finally, Fujimori clarified that Fernando Cerimedo did not participate in her electoral campaign, "either in the first or second round."
She also pointed out that she has neither a personal nor a professional relationship with him.