In Estación Central many people referred to them that way, in reference to the criminal organization of Peruvian origin called “Los Pulpos.” Chinese merchants from the Meiggs sector were among their main targets. Read the summary of the note.
- Criminal organization and extortion: The defendants, nicknamed “The Green Pulpos,” were officials from the Second Police Station of Central Station who resembled the Peruvian criminal organization “Los Pulpos.” They mainly extorted Peruvian, Chinese and other merchants, demanding “protection” payments under the pretext of being a security company.
- Arrests and charges: Twelve police officers were arrested by the Internal Affairs Section of the uniformed police after a year and a half investigation by the North Central Prosecutor’s Office. They face charges of extortion, threats, injuries, robbery and illegal detentions, among other crimes. The accusations will be presented in the Sixth Guarantee Court.
- First reported case: The first case involved an illegal raid on a Chinese businessman’s warehouse in January last year. The police entered without permission, extorted the workers and the owner, demanding 500 thousand pesos to stop the operation. The victims were detained illegally, and one of them was beaten for no reason.
- Arrests on public roads: In August last year, two Chinese nationals were illegally detained near their residence by hooded police officers without identification. They demanded money from them to avoid identity control, and one was forcibly removed from his building, asking him for 500 thousand pesos. These events were recorded on video.
- Extortions for “protection”:The police also extorted merchants by offering “protection” in exchange for money. Charging them 1.6 million pesos per month per location, they provided supposed security that included the presence of an official at the location. However, this protection was fictitious and they did not intervene in cases of crimes.
- Harassment and threats: Refusing to pay “protection” resulted in constant harassment. The police carried out identity and traffic checks in front of the commercial premises, preventing customers from entering. They also involved municipal staff to carry out additional controls, creating an environment of intimidation and pressure for merchants.
For more details, you can read the full note here.