LURÍN, LIMA REGION, PERU – OCTOBER 16, 2025 Minibus transporting passengers on a regular Chepén–Lurín route became the target of an armed attack by several criminals. The Venezuelan driver, Yorber Romero Salazar, and one of the passengers were killed. Four other passengers were injured and taken to Villa El Salvador Hospital’s emergency department, where one of them later died.
According to witnesses, the attackers were riding motorcycles and forced the minibus to stop before opening fire without hesitation. After firing dozens of shots, they fled the scene.
Police reported that the transport company operating the minibuses had been targeted by an extortion gang. Unfortunately, this is a common practice – criminals demand “tolls” for traveling through their territory. If transport operators refuse to comply, it can end tragically. In this case, the gang demanded 500 soles per month (about 150 USD) for registration and another 20 soles (6 USD) per vehicle.
The operator tried to fight the extortion legally and reported everything to the police. Although the extortion had been ongoing for over a month, the police were unable to help. The government is aware of the issue and actively trying to combat it, but the problem remains severe.
