An operation of Dirincri Anti-Extortion Department in Chorrillos made it possible to arrest those suspected of being responsible for the recent attacks on workers at a brick company and several transport companies. The police operation, developed after weeks of surveillance, points to a faction linked to the party Aragua trainknown for their involvement in extortions and criminal attacks in the Lima metropolitan area. According to the police, more than twenty companies are currently threatened.
During the operation, after strong resistance, special agents identified and arrested the main actors. Among those arrested is Jorge Vega Paez Darwin Alejandro33 years old, considered the leader of the group, as well as Monsalve Meléndez Wilfredo Johan, 18 years old, Venezuelan nationality; Velázquez Zamora Cirilo, 66 years old, Peruvian; and Yegres Campos Emir José, 23 years old. A woman of foreign nationality was also arrested and her identity is currently being verified.
The General Victor RevoredoHead of the Extortion Investigation Department, explained that the arrest was made after an analysis of the traceability of the funds demanded by the companies and after several days of surveillance of the place where the suspects were hiding. “All this very detailed monitoring is done over several days and that’s how you get to this cave where you can see a subject bringing him food and other supplies every day,” Revoredo said.
The police investigation focused on analyzing the financial movements of the extorted companies and the communication patterns of the suspected criminals. Commander Musallón, in charge of the operation, led the team that monitored the required deposits every Saturday. “It is possible to analyze the traceability of the money and it is possible to access the deposits of companies on Saturdays. Between five thousand and ten thousand soles were collected from the deposits,” explained General Revoredo.
The surveillance lasted several days and made it possible to locate the house where those involved were hiding. Direct observations and constant surveillance revealed the routine of those who provided the ringleader with food and supplies. This information was essential to plan the operation and ensure the capture without endangering the troops or third parties.
The operation was carried out by a specialized team in strict respect of human rights and despite considerable resistance from the detainees. Revoredo pointed out that the intervention was carried out with strict respect for human rights and with a specialized team. Those arrested resisted and wore equipment, so rational force was used to capture the ringleader, who is currently being identified.
According to the authorities, those arrested are so-called remains DESA 1, DESA 2 and DESA 3Groups identified as part of the structure of the Aragua train. This organization, with international branches, is dedicated to extorting companies in various sectors in Lima, using threats, violence and selective attacks to force the payment of quotas. “DESA one, DESA two, DESA three, these are the remains of DESA three, but all traceability is the Aragua train. Yes. And all, all, all, all of these, the Galicians, pure brothers, killers, the Layón dynasty, survey 905, eh… DESA one, DESA two, DESA three, have been duly identified,” General Revoredo said.
The gang’s modus operandi was to demand regular deposits from companies in return for not attacking their employees or facilities. The investigation has identified a network of roles and connections that includes both Peruvian and foreign assassins and collaborators. The ringleaders were protected by other members of the group, who were also threatened by rival gangs.
During the operation they confiscated Bottles of ketamine, dynamite, bank cards, vouchers and various documentsElements that police say show the group’s criminal architecture.
The attack on the brick company that led to the police operation occurred in Puente Piedra, where the production manager was located shot dead by two gunmen on a motorcycle as he sat in his car. The attackers fired at least 10 shots before fleeing, seriously injuring the victim and worrying workers and neighbors.
The case is not an isolated one. On November 10, the security chief of another brick factory was murdered under similar circumstances on Vista Alegre Avenue in Carabayllo. Both events have increased concern in the industry and reinforced the police hypothesis of a systematic intimidation campaign against companies that resist paying extortions.
Police continue to investigate to establish the connection between these attacks and the dismantled organization in Chorrillos. The authorities are urging companies and citizens to report any attempt at extortion and to bear in mind that the National Police has immediate channels of attention in cases of violence and organized crime.
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