Peruvian Army Captain Arrested for Extortion in Pataz
Captain Gary Chiroque Barreno, an officer in the Peruvian Army and the head of intelligence for the Comando Unificado Pataz (CUPAZ), has been detained by the National Police of Peru (PNP) following allegations of extortion in the La Libertad region. According to General Ricardo Espinoza, the police chief of La Libertad, the officer was apprehended while allegedly accepting illicit funds from a local business owner.
Did You Know? Before the arrest on June 18, police from the Chagual station photographed the cash intended for the transaction to secure evidence for the sting operation.
What led to the arrest?
The investigation began after a restobar owner reported that Chiroque Barreno demanded S/5 000 in exchange for protection from purported police operations near his business. According to initial findings, these demands were delivered via threats sent through WhatsApp. To conduct the arrest in flagrancy, the PNP orchestrated an operation on June 18, during which the businessman delivered S/4 000 to the officer through a worker.
The confrontation and apprehension
The arrest took place at 6:30 hours. As reported by authorities, Chiroque Barreno accepted the money but attempted to discard the cash between the bars of a nearby property upon spotting police officers. He was ultimately reduced and taken into custody by agents on the scene. General Ricardo Espinoza confirmed the officer was found with a large quantity of cash at the time of the intervention.
Institutional response and potential next steps
The Comando Unificado Pataz (CUPAZ) issued a statement confirming that it will provide all necessary information and cooperation to the police and the Prosecutor’s Office to establish individual responsibilities. The organization emphasized that the alleged actions of the officer do not represent the values, doctrine, or mission of the military unit. As the investigation proceeds, the legal process will likely determine the extent of the captain’s culpability and whether additional charges will be filed by the prosecution.
Expert Insight: The involvement of a high-ranking intelligence officer in an alleged extortion scheme presents a significant challenge to local security efforts. The situation raises questions regarding internal oversight and the potential impact on public trust toward the Comando Unificado Pataz, which is currently tasked with high-stakes security operations in the Pataz area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the specific allegation against Gary Chiroque Barreno?
The business owner alleged that Chiroque Barreno demanded S/5 000 via WhatsApp threats to prevent supposed police operations near his restobar.
How was the arrest executed?
The PNP organized an operation on June 18 where the businessman delivered S/4 000 to the officer. Police intervened at 6:30 hours when the captain attempted to discard the money and flee.
What is the position of the Comando Unificado Pataz?
The CUPAZ stated that the officer’s actions were an individual matter and that the institution will fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation by the police and the Prosecutor’s Office.
How will this investigation impact the ongoing operations of the Comando Unificado Pataz in the region?