Peru police deny patrol vehicle involvement in Trujillo massacre, say truck used cloned plate

Peru’s National Police has rejected claims that one of its vehicles was used in the kidnapping of a businessman and the killing of four people in Trujillo, in the La Libertad region.

In Communiqué No. 19-2026, issued on Sept. 1, the PNP said the truck seen in connection with the case was not an official vehicle. Technical and police checks found that it allegedly displayed a police license plate fraudulently.

The plate, EPF-176, was reportedly cloned and improperly placed on the truck. Police said the vehicle’s physical characteristics and registration records did not match any unit belonging to the Interior Ministry or the PNP. The official patrol vehicle legitimately assigned that plate was located and inspected. It belongs to the Highway Security and Protection Department in San Gabán-Juliaca, remains under institutional control, and has been out of service since Aug. 28, 2025.

Investigators also located plate BNG-906, which registry checks identified as belonging to a privately owned Toyota Hilux. The PNP said that registration is likely the vehicle’s original identification and has been included in continuing technical and forensic examinations. The institution added that police-style clothing, insignia or equipment does not by itself establish a link to the police, warning that criminals may imitate police operations to surprise and subdue victims.

The PNP said the investigation continues to identify, locate and capture those responsible, and to determine where the property used in the crime came from. It said there were, so far, no indications involving police personnel or official vehicles.