Police arrest 18-year-old for extorting merchants in Carabayllo
The National Police of Peru (PNP) captured an 18-year-old youth, known by the alias 'Chucho', in the district of Carabayllo. The detainee is the main suspect in extorting vendors at the La Cumbre market, demanding illegal payments in exchange for alleged protection.
According to the police report, the young man collected a daily fee of 20 soles from each merchant in the market. This type of criminal activity, popularly known as the collection of "cupos," consists of threatening workers to force them to hand over money on a regular basis.
The arrest took place during a surveillance operation in the area, after authorities received information about the suspect's activities. Officers managed to identify 'Chucho' while he was making the collections and immediately transferred him to the local police station to begin the corresponding investigations.
Merchants at the La Cumbre market had expressed their fear regarding the increase in insecurity in recent weeks. Many of them explained that the threats were constant and that they feared for the safety of their families and their small businesses if they did not comply with the extortionist's demands.
Finally, the National Police reaffirmed their commitment to fighting crime and protecting citizens. The authorities called on the population to report any extortion attempt, ensuring that citizen collaboration is fundamental to stopping criminal gangs that affect the local economy.