Overview

• The Executive published Law No. 32446 in El Peruano on September 22, 2025, adding Article 318-B to the Penal Code to create the offense of systemic criminality.
• The statute imposes life imprisonment when firearms, munitions, explosives or similar devices are used to commit kidnapping, extortion, contract killing, aggravated homicide or aggravated robbery that generates terror in the population.
• The measure bears the signatures of President Dina Boluarte and Prime Minister Eduardo Arana, making it immediately enforceable.
• Congress approved the initiative in a second vote with 83 in favor, 27 against and one abstention, consolidating 17 bills debated since October 2024.
• Supporters cite recent explosive attacks in La Libertad as justification, while opponents question ambiguous language such as “other similar characteristics” and point to a 48-hour investigative window as a practical constraint.