Peru School Extortion: Gangs & Threats – NPR
# Peru‘s Schools and Businesses under Siege: The Rise of extortion by Criminal Gangs
The streets of Lima, peru, are gripped by fear as criminal gangs increasingly target schools and businesses with extortion demands. What began as a tactic to control local markets has escalated into a widespread campaign of intimidation,forcing institutions to pay for “protection” or face dire consequences. This article delves into the harrowing reality faced by Peruvians, exploring the tactics used by these gangs, the impact on communities, and the difficult choices people are being forced to make.
## A Climate of Fear: How Gangs Are Terrorizing Communities
For many in Peru, daily life is now overshadowed by the threat of extortion. Gangs aren’t simply demanding money; thay’re employing brutal tactics to enforce their demands, creating a climate of fear that permeates every aspect of community life.
One example is the story of a grocery store owner in Lima who refused to pay. She discovered her three cats decapitated, their heads displayed in front of her shop as a chilling warning. Despite the horror, she remains defiant, changing her children’s schools to shield them from potential targeting and dispensing groceries through barred doors. “I can’t support corruption because I am the daughter of a policeman,” she explains, resolute in her refusal to succumb to the gangs’ pressure. “If I pay the gangs, that would bring me down to their level.”
This isn’t an isolated incident. Schools are notably vulnerable, with the San Vicente School in north Lima forced to hire private security and temporarily switch to online learning after a bomb threat.Upon returning to in-person classes, school officials instructed students to forgo uniforms to avoid being identified by gang members – a desperate measure to protect them from potential violence.
## The Cost of Resistance: Schools and Businesses Forced to Pay
The pressure to comply with extortion demands is immense. Many schools, fearing for the safety of their students and staff, have reluctantly given in. One Catholic elementary school administrator reported receiving threats and, after police suggested paying for safety, ultimately forked over the equivalent of $14,000. Extortion payments are now being factored into the school’s annual budget.
“It was either that,” the administrator explained, “or close down the school.”
This highlights a disturbing trend: a sense of helplessness and the perception that authorities are unable or unwilling to provide adequate protection.The gangs are exploiting this vulnerability, effectively operating with impunity. Approximately 40 students have already left San Vicente School due to the ongoing threats,demonstrating the tangible impact on education and families. Violeta Upangi, waiting to pick up her 13-year-old daughter, expressed her fear, stating, “They could shoot the students in revenge.”
## Why is This Happening? Understanding the Roots of the Problem
The rise in extortion is linked to a complex interplay of factors, including economic hardship, political instability, and the weakening of state institutions. While historically focused on controlling informal markets, gangs have expanded their operations, recognizing the potential for profit in extorting businesses and schools.
The lack of consistent law enforcement and a perceived lack of accountability further embolden these criminal organizations. Reports suggest that, in certain specific cases, police have even advised institutions to pay rather than risk confrontation, effectively legitimizing the gangs’ activities. This erodes public trust and creates a vicious cycle of fear and compliance.## What Can Be Done? Seeking Solutions to Protect Communities
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening law enforcement, improving intelligence gathering, and increasing police presence in vulnerable areas are crucial frist steps. However, a purely security-focused response is unlikely to be sufficient.
Addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to gang recruitment and activity is equally crucial. Investing in education, creating job opportunities, and providing social support programs can definitely help to reduce the appeal of gang life.
Moreover, fostering a culture of denunciation and encouraging citizens