Leader of Los Pulpos detained in Bolivia following international operation
The Interior Minister confirmed the arrest of Jhonsson Smit Cruz Torres, alias "Jhonsson Pulpo", leader of the criminal organisation Los Pulpos, in La Paz.
Arrest of Los Pulpos leader in La Paz, Bolivia
Interior Minister César Astudillo confirmed to Canal N that Jhonsson Smit Cruz Torres, alias "Jhonsson Pulpo", suspected leader of the criminal organisation Los Pulpos, was detained in La Paz, Bolivia. According to lpderecho.pe, the gang is linked to extortion and contract killings in Trujillo, La Libertad region.
The operation was carried out jointly by EESCCOT-FBI Lima, DIVINESP-DIRANDRO, the National Police of Bolivia, DEA Perú and the Cybercrime Division of the Bolivian Police. Cruz Torres had an active international arrest warrant and was listed in the Rewards Programme.
The detainee is being investigated for the alleged crimes of contract killing, qualified homicide, criminal organisation and aggravated kidnapping, among other charges. Astudillo indicated that the detention could prompt movements within the gang's structure that would facilitate the identification and arrest of other members.
Five detainees in Trujillo admit participation
Regarding the kidnapping that occurred in Trujillo, the minister stated that the five persons arrested are confirmed members of Los Pulpos. "Those five people who have been captured have been proven to be members of Los Pulpos. They confessed that they participated in the action in Trujillo, but the weapons have not been found," Astudillo declared. Investigations are continuing to determine the degree of participation of each detainee and establish whether there are more people involved.
The Interior Minister explained that functions within the organisation are distributed among its members: some would have provided weapons, uniforms or vehicles, whilst others would have carried out prior surveillance work. Work on security camera footage will seek to determine who acted directly in the kidnapping. Astudillo avoided confirming any ransom payment and announced that he would travel to Trujillo to learn of the progress of investigations.
Police patrol officer captured in images and possible police links
The minister also addressed images in which a police patrol officer appears to be following the criminals during the operation. He stated that investigation teams would have to determine whether there is any link between police officers and the criminal organisation. "We are going to take radical action in this case," he stated, and announced the deployment of additional teams to Trujillo. Regarding the criminals' obtaining of police uniforms, Astudillo attributed it to the existence of establishments that sell them without sufficient controls.
Situation of the Police General Commander
During the interview, Astudillo was asked about the continuity of the Police General Commander, Óscar Arriola. The minister denied that his statements imply explicit backing for his remaining in office and recalled that a regulation establishes a two-year term for said position. He added that there are initiatives in Congress aimed at incorporating new grounds that would permit his eventual removal.
"We are all under evaluation, from the minister down to the lowest police subofficer," Astudillo said. He indicated that Arriola's situation would be assessed in due course and reiterated that the current priority is to combat crime and advance ongoing investigations.
Source: Google News BO — Crime