Peru Sees Crime Surge Tied to Transnational Gangs Roiling Region

Peru is facing its worst public safety crisis in recent memory, with top government officials blaming transnational criminal organizations for the chaos and violence that’s also roiling neighbors Ecuador and Colombia.

“We have to recognize, as we have done, that Peru is facing a crime wave not seen before,” said Interior Minister Juan Jose Santivanez, who oversees the national police, in an interview with RPP radio. “It’s not just Peru, but the entire region because the reality is that criminality today is organized and transnational.”

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte also acknowledged criminality in a presentation at the World ...