Two Men Captured for Spray-Painting Inca Walls of Aqlla Wasi in Cusco's Historic Center

Authorities in Cusco, Peru, have arrested two men caught spray-painting the ancient Inca walls of Aqlla Wasi in the city's historic center. The vandalism occurred early Friday morning and was detected by municipal surveillance cameras, which alerted Citizen Security personnel.

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Immediately, citizen security personnel were dispatched and intervened with these two subjects.

According to Juvenal Cerceda, manager of Citizen Security, the incident took place around 2:50 a.m. when two men, accompanied by a woman, were seen applying graffiti to the stone structures. Security personnel intervened immediately and apprehended the two individuals. The suspects, identified as Joaquín Enrique Pacheco Lasteros and Sebastián Villarruel Valdivia, were taken to the Cusco police station along with the woman.

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The paint has penetrated the surface of the Inca stones, so the damage could be irreversible.

Both men are detained on suspicion of attacking cultural heritage. Investigations are ongoing to determine their full responsibility. Security footage clearly shows the act of vandalism. The suspects appeared to have consumed alcohol but were conscious at the time of their arrest. The Provincial Municipality of Cusco is coordinating with the Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC) for cleanup operations. A DDC specialist, Julio César Sierra, noted that the paint has penetrated the stone, potentially causing irreversible damage, though cleaning efforts will aim to reduce the visual impact.

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We are vigilant and protecting our heritage. Unfortunately, these events happen, but the important thing is that we have managed to apprehend those responsible.