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Peru’s Music Sector Details 30% Extortion Demands as Agua Marina Halts Shows

Industry leaders report criminal groups siphoning concert earnings that are pushing bands to cancel shows.

Overview

  • Association chief Walter Dolorier said extortion rings have demanded up to 30% of concert revenues, including from Agua Marina over roughly the past 18 months.
  • At least 65 groups affiliated with the Asociación de Empresarios Artísticos del Perú are paying protection fees to continue working, according to Dolorier.
  • Agua Marina announced a temporary withdrawal from stages after an armed attack in Chorrillos, following earlier threats and a bomb incident in Trujillo that led the band to hire private security.
  • The problem spans Tumbes, Piura, Chiclayo and Juliaca, with reports that some extortionists cross from Bolivia to operate and then return across the border.
  • Sector leaders report lost revenue, canceled events and reduced promotion, say they lack effective national protection, and note that many victims have avoided formal complaints out of fear.