Crime in Peru

In 2012, Peru had a murder rate of 9.6 per 100,000 population.[1] There were a total of 2,865 murders in Peru in 2012.[1] By 2015, this had declined to 7.16 per 100,000, with 2,247 murders recorded.[2]

Peru's most prominent political corruption scandal is probably the case of Alberto Fujimori, Peru's ex-President. Fujimori has been convicted of having ordered killings, embezzlement of public funds, abuse of power and corruption during his 10 years of presidency (1990-2000). In 2006, Fujimori fled to Japan with an alleged USD 600 million of public assets. He has been sentenced to a total of more than 30 years in prison.[3]

In 2006, Ministry of Women and Social Development (MIMDES) centers reported 25,036 cases of domestic violence in Peru.[4] The centers helped an average of 2,067 men and women per month.[4] MIMDES also operated a toll-free hot line, which handled 7,785 requests for assistance regarding family disturbances during 2006.[4]

Women's organizations noted that alcohol abuse and traditional attitudes toward women aggravated the problems of rape and sexual abuse - particularly in rural areas.[4] In November 2006, the World Health Organization reported that 69 percent of Peruvian women said they had suffered from some form of physical violence in their lives.[4]

The illegal drug trade in Peru includes the growing of coca and the shipment of cocaine to the United States.