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Lima Transport Unions Ready Mid-January Strike Over Extortion as They Challenge PM’s Allegations

Leaders say extortion persists under a state of emergency, pressing for a joint elite unit across police, prosecutors and courts.

Overview

  • Union representatives confirmed a stoppage planned for this week, with some leaders announcing January 15 and others weighing January 14–16 pending a final decision today.
  • Organizers say at least 230 companies representing roughly 12,000 vehicles will participate, and they estimate 80% of providers are targeted by extortion.
  • Spokesmen report daily attacks, including two recent grenade incidents, and say extortion fees per vehicle have risen from 10 soles to 20–30 soles.
  • Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez said some “bad transportistas” are colluding with criminal gangs, a claim union leaders said must be backed by evidence as they offered cooperation with investigations.
  • Sector leaders argue the government accepted their anti-crime plan in November but failed to implement it, and they urge creation of a cross-institution “Unidad de Élite.”