As Peru prepares for a presidential runoff on Sunday, a surge in crime has left the country gripped by fear. In cities like Trujillo, residents mourn the dead as small business owners struggle under rampant extortion by criminal gangs.
Over the past five years, extortion cases have increased fivefold, reaching nearly 29,000 reported incidents in 2025. Killings have more than doubled, with authorities reporting 2,226 deaths last year. Criminal groups increasingly target small businesses, transport workers, and market vendors, demanding regular payments for permission to operate.
The impact extends beyond economic costs. Bomb attacks, kidnappings, and threats have become common, leaving residents with a constant sense of vulnerability. Many Peruvians know someone who has been a victim of crime, and finding bodies on streets or in ravines has become routine.
In some neighborhoods, businesses display symbols indicating they pay extortion fees, while others invest heavily in private security due to limited police presence. Security experts attribute the rise in organized crime to profits from illegal mining, chronic underfunding of police, and legal changes that hinder detaining suspects and seizing assets.
Insecurity has become a key issue in the election, shaping daily routines and influencing how Peruvians view their country's future.
