Peruvian Authorities Arrest 24 Alleged Members of Criminal Network Linked to ‘Aragua Train’
LIMA,Peru – Peruvian authorities have detained 24 individuals allegedly connected to a criminal organization dubbed ‘The Western,’ which prosecutors say is linked to the transnational ‘Aragua Train’ network. The arrests, announced September 9, 2025, are the result of an inquiry into a group accused of extortion, violence, and murder targeting transport companies in northern Lima.
The Public ministry’s Office Against Organized Criminality executed the judicial preliminary detention measures against the suspects, comprised of Peruvian and Venezuelan citizens. According to the fiscal thesis, the organization, also known as ‘Village II,’ allegedly infiltrated WhatsApp groups of transport companies to demand daily or weekly payments under threat of death. Failure to comply reportedly resulted in attacks on drivers and vehicles, with at least five deaths attributed to the group’s actions.
The criminal network allegedly operated with “ferocity and violence” in Lima Norte districts, targeting owners, partners, drivers, and collectors of various transport companies. Beyond extortion, investigators found evidence of money laundering through shell companies, digital accounts, cryptocurrencies, and othre financial mechanisms, with illicit funds allegedly routed to venezuela and Colombia before returning to Peru.This action follows the earlier disruption of ‘DESA’ in February of this year, with authorities stating the criminal band of Venezuelan origin reorganized, shifting its members and leadership. The PNP reported the organization employed a “money collection system based on murder, sending messages and/or psychological impact videos, for the aggrieved.”