Overview
- Carlos E. R., 22, received nine months of preventive detention Wednesday after police watched him collect photocopied ransom cash behind the Perpetuo Socorro school in Piura.
- A separate case led Monday to a seven-month order for Lucero A. Ch., who was detained with 37 phone SIM cards and is investigated for extortion and illegal sale of telecom services.
- Victims reported WhatsApp threats from several numbers that showed their homes, children, and workplaces while demanding S/30,000 to spare the family.
- Judge Lisset Alayo Chinchay issued the nine-month ruling in under 72 hours, and the suspect was sent to the Piura men’s prison as the investigation continues.
- Prosecutors link the cases to an organized group known locally as Los Chukis del Norte, and police use controlled drops with marked bills to tie the pickup to a suspect while reducing risk for victims.