The Peruvian National Police (PNP) dealt another blow to the transnational criminal organization "Tren de Aragua" by dismantling one of its factions, the criminal gang known as "Los Piratas."
The operation involved 250 agents from specialized PNP units who, in compliance with court-ordered procedures, arrested 13 alleged members of the organization.
They also rescued approximately 100 foreign nationals who were victims of sexual exploitation.
According to investigations, "Los Piratas" are allegedly linked to the recruitment and sexual exploitation of foreign women, mainly Venezuelan and Ecuadorian nationals.
The victims were allegedly transferred from their places of origin, taking advantage of their vulnerable situation, and held in properties used as alleged "shelters."
The victims were subsequently taken to the sexual exploitation area known as Plaza Zepita, in the Cercado de Lima district.
The police operation was carried out at Plaza Zepita, as well as in San Martin de Porres and San Juan de Lurigancho districts, where agents carried out the court-ordered preliminary detention of 10 individuals identified as members of this Tren de Aragua faction.
Additionally, three other people were arrested in flagrante delicto for their alleged involvement in human trafficking involving the sexual exploitation of girls, boys, and adolescents.
One of the most important results of the operation was the rescue of three minors, who were placed under the appropriate protection measures.
Additionally, nearly 100 foreign victims were freed from the locations where they were allegedly subjected to sexual exploitation.
As part of the operation, officers from the Directorate of Investigation of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling raided 11 properties and seized S/12,322 (about US$3,666) and US$4,000, along with seven cell phones, nine notebooks, a keyboard, a computer CPU, two USB devices, three payment receipts, a QR code, six lubricants, documents, and various packages of condoms from a government agency.
These items will be incorporated into the investigations.
The police continue the relevant investigative procedures in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office in order to identify other members of this criminal network and determine the level of responsibility of each of those arrested.