The extortion They have been increasing in the country, causing anxiety among businessmen, merchants and ordinary citizens who receive calls from criminals asking for money in exchange for not attacking their lives, loved ones or businesses. What should be done in these cases?
The law punishes extortion with up to 30 years for the crime of extortion, a crime that has been growing as the post-pandemic economy has been reactivated. According to information from the National Police of Peru, between January and the first days of August of this year there were 435 cases of extortion in the country.
Currently, according to official figures, there are only 1,024 people in prison for this crime, which represents 1.18% of the country’s prison population. The most serious thing is that from the same prisons they can call the victims. The important thing is, according to the authorities, knowing how to report the crime in order to find the criminals.
HOW DO I REPORT AN EXTORTION CALL?
- The first thing you should do is call the emergency center, dialing105. The agents will send your case to the police station in your sector.
- You can too go to the Kidnapping and Extortion Division at Av. España 323, Cercado de Lima or call 01-4249524.
What happens after making the complaint?
- The police will refer you to the Criminal Investigation Division (Divincri): there is the Kidnapping and Extortion Division, a unit specialized in this type of crime.
- You should bring any evidence you have: text messages, recordings of the call, the number of the call, etc. This will help in the corresponding investigations.
WHAT MEASURES SHOULD I TAKE AFTER AN EXTORTION CALL?
The Ministry of the Interior provides the following recommendations:
- Ask your operating company to record your incoming calls so that you have a record of the number from which you receive them.
- You have the right to request that you change your phone number.
- You can request that your number not appear in the phone book.
- Try to record the call without the criminals noticing or save the text messages you receive (these are evidence that will help in police investigations).
- Insure your home or premises by any means possible.
HOW SHOULD I REACT TO AN EXTORTIVE CALL?
The National Police makes the following recommendations:
- If you receive a call do not be alarmed, try to remain calm.
- If you do not have caller ID, write down information such as the day, time and name provided by the alleged extortionist.
- If possible, record calls immediately.
- Write down the requirements such as the amount of money, the bank branches where to deposit, among others.
- Report immediately to the Kidnapping and Extortion Division at Av. España 323, Cercado de Lima or call 01-4249524.
CAN I REPORT AN EXTORTION CALL THROUGH WHATSAPP?
The National Police of Peru has enabled two telephone numbers for you to make your complaints by WhatsApp. You just have to write your case to the numbers 964605570 or 942479506. This medium allows you to send voice messages, photos or videos in real time, in addition to your exact location.
