The Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency in 12 districts of Lima and the neighboring Callao province due to a surge in extortion against public transport operators. This decision, announced on September 26, 2024, comes after a large protest by urban transport associations demanding security measures in response to violent extortion practices that have resulted in multiple fatalities.
Transport companies across Lima participated in a significant strike, suspending services to express their outrage over the rampant extortion, which has led to at least three murders in recent weeks. The president of the National Federation of Mototaxi in Peru, Julio García, emphasized that the operators are not seeking economic relief but rather safety guarantees for citizens and transport workers.
The protest highlighted the tragic case of a young bus driver who was killed for refusing to pay a small extortion fee. Extortion has become a severe issue affecting small business owners, transport operators, and even schools and social kitchens. In 2024 alone, over 14,000 extortion complaints have been reported within the transport sector, a stark increase compared to previous years.
In response to the escalating crisis, the government has authorized the military to support police efforts in maintaining order in the affected districts for a period of 60 days. Additionally, a bill will be submitted to Congress aiming to classify urban assassination, kidnapping, extortion, and illegal possession of firearms as acts of urban terrorism.