Prosecutor Seeks 18 Months Pre-Trial Detention for 9 Vitarte Police Officers

Prosecutors in Lima East are seeking an 18-month pre-trial detention for nine police officers from the Vitarte station. These officers are accused of extorting money from drivers on the Carretera Central, demanding bribes in exchange for overlooking traffic violations.

The request, which will be evaluated in a hearing on Tuesday, June 9, includes the station's commander, José Velásquez. The implicated officers are under investigation for alleged involvement in a criminal organization and passive bribery while on duty. This corruption probe has sent ripples through the National Police in the Lima Este region.

Agents from the Directorate Against Corruption (Dircocor), working closely with the Public Ministry, conducted preliminary arrests of the officers following several raids, including one at the Vitarte station itself. The investigation stems from systematic extortion complaints filed by a group of drivers operating on the Carretera Central.

According to preliminary findings by prosecutor Dacio Felles Isidro, the officers allegedly formed a criminal network focused on patrolling the highway. Their modus operandi involved intercepting drivers and demanding significant sums of money to allow them to pass without receiving traffic tickets. If drivers claimed to have no cash, the officers reportedly forced them to go to banks to withdraw funds.

The Judicial Power has identified Lieutenant Diego García as the alleged leader of this criminal organization. Alongside him, the detained sub-officers are Vidal Guardamino, Johanny Vera, Jorge Meneses, Víctor Romero, Lishner Huaman, Giovani Cruz, Fredy Flores, and Carlos López.