Los Pulpos leader's cousin captured in Chiclayo; linked to 20 attacks and homicides in Trujillo

Peruvian police have arrested Andy Yofran Quispe Cruz, 25, in the Pimentel district of Chiclayo. Authorities identify Quispe Cruz as a suspected member of the criminal organization Los Pulpos and the alleged leader of its faction, Los Pepes. He is reportedly implicated in a string of serious crimes committed in Trujillo.

According to law enforcement officials, Quispe Cruz is linked to more than 20 violent incidents, including attacks on commercial establishments and transport companies, as well as several kidnappings and homicides. The arrest occurred on Tuesday afternoon as Quispe Cruz was leaving a residence. He initially attempted to mislead officers by providing a false name and national identity document.

During the arrest, officers discovered a loaded pistol, approximately S/.11,300 and US$303 in cash, a motorcycle, and two mobile phones. Quispe Cruz could not provide a justifiable explanation for the cash, and the electronic devices will undergo forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation. He and the seized items were transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division (Divincri) in Chiclayo for further proceedings.

Police Commander General Óscar Arriola stated that Quispe Cruz is considered the intellectual or material author of over 20 attacks in Trujillo. These include assaults on popular nightclubs like Monasterio, Dalí, and Tabaco Marino, as well as the transport company Salaverry Express and various other businesses. He is also being investigated for three kidnappings in Trujillo, including that of businessman Iván Díaz Garrido, who was released in October 2023 with severe injuries.

Authorities further allege Quispe Cruz's responsibility for the deaths of rival gang members known as 'Titi,' 'Pepito,' 'Kincho,' and 'Viejo Cano,' who were allegedly involved in disputes over control of extortion rackets in the La Libertad region. In a disturbing display of support, hours after Quispe Cruz's capture, a group of individuals reportedly fired shots into the air and set off fireworks in El Porvenir, a known stronghold of Los Pulpos, sending messages against the criminal organization.