Seven arrested in extortion ring targeting transport companies in Lima North, including alleged hacker
The National Police of Peru arrested seven members of 'The Gunmen of Lima North', a gang that extorted bus lines in Lima and Callao. One of those detained allegedly breached State databases.
Seven arrested in extortion network operating in Lima North and Callao
The National Police of Peru detained seven suspected members of the criminal organisation 'The Gunmen of Lima North', dedicated to extorting transport companies in Lima and Callao, according to infobae.com. The operation included raids on nine properties in the districts of Comas, San Martín de Porres and Callao.
According to preliminary investigation, the gang demanded up to S/10 daily from the transport company El Oro and other lines covering routes 21 and 30 in Lima North. Colonel Robert Trujillo, head of the Division for Investigation of High-Complexity Crimes (Diviac), stated that the organisation collected approximately S/1,800 per day through extortion payments. Trujillo added that it cannot be ruled out that the group accumulated more than S/1 million.
Gang leader and organisation structure
Agents identified José Blas Saavedra Llerena, alias Gordo Moy, as the presumed gang leader, and located him using geolocation techniques. Carmen Rosa Lainez Toro, alias Negra, was also apprehended, identified as the presumed cashier responsible for managing money from the extortions and making withdrawals.
According to police theory, coordination of the extortion activities fell to Anthony Lizana Huatay, alias Tony, who received information from alleged informants. Likewise, Alberto Lisa Torres, alias Chupaca; José Moreno Hipólito, alias Moreno; and César Lara Sarmiento, alias Calichín, allegedly entered transport companies as drivers to gather information about victims.
The alleged hacker of the gang
The investigation attributes a central role in obtaining information to Yasen Rojas Tábara, alias Chiquiplun. According to the theory of the agents, he was the presumed IT specialist for 'The Gunmen of Lima North' and allegedly breached State databases, including platforms belonging to the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC) and telephone line records. With those accesses, he allegedly obtained images of the victims' relatives to apply pressure during payment demands.
Another person detained was Víctor Campos Tejada, alias Hipólito, identified as the person responsible for collecting money through WhatsApp groups in which approximately 150 drivers participated.
Evidence seized
During the raids, agents found more than S/3,000 in cash, notebooks with notes linked to extortion collection, mobile phones and a motorcycle which, according to Colonel Trujillo, was used for the travel of those investigated. The Police also displayed objects which it linked to protection practices associated with santería.
Source: Google News PE — Crime