Peru to involve phone companies, banks in fight against organized crime

Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori announced on Saturday the integration of mobile phone operators and financial institutions into the nation's security and intelligence strategy to combat organized crime. This initiative specifically targets criminal gangs responsible for extortion and contract killings that have plagued public transport companies in recent months.

Fujimori met with leaders from transport unions across Lima and several regions to address their concerns about rising insecurity and transport regulations. She revealed plans to establish two working groups: one focused on state regulation, headed by the Minister of Transport and including the Minister of Economy and the tax authority (Sunat), and another dedicated to strengthening citizen security, led by the Ministry of the Interior.

The president emphasized the need to involve mobile operators and the financial system in the security efforts, stating that "quotas (money) and extortions come through those channels." She also expressed a desire to reform the migration and expulsion system to prevent the entry of foreigners with criminal records. The Minister of the Interior, César Astudillo, assured that police presence is being increased in transport hubs and on buses, urging trust in the measures being implemented.