Nine police officers from Vitarte detained for illegal collections on Central Highway
The Public Prosecution Service and Dircocor intervened at the Vitarte Police Station and ten residences. Nine officers are being investigated for passive bribery.
Anti-corruption operation in Vitarte: nine police officers detained for extorting drivers
The Public Prosecution Service (Ministerio Público) and the Anti-Corruption Directorate (Dircocor) of the Peruvian National Police (PNP) carried out a joint intervention on Friday at the Vitarte Police Station and at ten residences located in the districts of Independencia, Santa Anita, Ate, Pachacámac, Lurigancho-Chosica and La Perla, in Callao. According to infobae.com, the operation resulted in the preliminary detention of nine police officers being investigated for alleged acts of corruption linked to the exercise of their duties.
The detainees are ensign Diego García and non-commissioned officers Vidal Guardamino, Johanny Vera, Jorge Meneses, Víctor Romero, Lishner Huaman, Giovani Cruz, Fredy Flores and Carlos López. All face charges for the alleged crime of passive bribery.
Investigations indicate that the officers would have formed an organised group that intercepted vehicles on the Central Highway to demand irregular payments in exchange for avoiding traffic sanctions. In some cases, drivers without cash would have been forced to make bank withdrawals to satisfy the officers' demands.
The operation was led by provincial prosecutor Richter Eliseo Rengifo Ramírez, from the Specialised Corporate Provincial Prosecution Office for Crimes of Corruption of Officials in East Lima. During the raids, technological equipment, mobile phones, USB drives, cash and administrative documents from the police station were seized, among them intervention reports and vehicle records.
Twelve anti-corruption prosecutors and a specialised PNP unit participated in the operation, who carried out proceedings simultaneously at different points in the capital. The nine detainees were subjected to forensic medical examinations following their arrest.
The PNP, through its Directorate of Communication and Institutional Image, reaffirmed respect for due process and the presumption of innocence of those involved. The institution emphasised that the facts being investigated "do not represent the values nor the commitment of more than one hundred and forty thousand police officers" in the country.
In an official statement, the PNP stated: "The fight against corruption does not distinguish ranks, positions or functions. When there are reasonable indications and orders issued by the competent authorities, the Peruvian National Police acts with firmness, objectivity and transparency." The institution characterised the operation as a demonstration of its internal control and oversight mechanisms.
The case will continue under investigation by the Specialised Prosecution Office for Crimes of Corruption of Officials and Dircocor, whilst the judicial authorities determine the legal status of those involved.
Source: Google News PE — Crime