Schools in Lima are facing severe extortion from gangs demanding payment between 50,000 and 100,000 soles. Reports indicate threats include images of weapons. With the rise of private education due to inadequate public schooling, many institutions find themselves vulnerable. A significant number have switched to online classes or shut down to protect students. The extortion crisis mirrors a larger crime wave in Peru, intensified during the pandemic, with links to an influx of Venezuelan migrants. Corruption among law enforcement compounds the issue, making schools easy targets for criminal organizations.
Gangsters are demanding schools pay between 50,000 and 100,000 Peruvian soles, sending threatening messages that include pictures of weapons to enforce compliance.
The extortion of schools in impoverished areas has resulted in some institutions switching to online classes, while at least five schools have closed down due to threats.
At least 1,000 schools in Lima are being extorted, with many yielding to gang demands, raising concerns about the future of education in the country.
The rise in extortion is linked to a broader crime wave in Peru, exacerbated by the COVID pandemic and the arrival of Venezuelan migrants.
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