Peruvian officials have commenced a four-day working visit to El Salvador for El País, beginning October 28, to study the Central American nation’s approach to combating organized crime. The delegation, led by Justice and Human Rights Minister Ernesto Álvarez Miranda, intends to gather insights from President Nayib Bukele’s government regarding its initial phase of anti-crime efforts and strategies adopted against criminal groups.
The official visit is scheduled to conclude on October 31. Minister Álvarez, in an interview with a local media outlet, clarified that the Peruvian contingent’s primary goal is to comprehend the operational model of El Salvador’s integrated subsystem, which comprises specialized prosecutors, judges, and police personnel. This particular framework has been instrumental in the country’s efforts against criminal organizations, such as the maras.
President Keiko Fujimori is also part of the Peruvian agenda in El Salvador. Her itinerary includes a private meeting with her Salvadoran counterpart, President Nayib Bukele, followed by an expanded gathering with ministers of state. Additionally, the delegation has scheduled meetings with high-ranking authorities across various sectors, including Justice and Public Security, Education, Science and Technology, and Health. A significant component of the visit is a planned tour of the Center for Confinement of Terrorism (CECOT), a prominent penitentiary facility in El Salvador.
National Penitentiary Reforms on the Horizon
Back in Peru, Minister Álvarez detailed upcoming initiatives for the national penitentiary system. He expressed interest in implementing a ‘modular prison’ concept, which would utilize prefabricated panels to enable rapid and cost-effective construction. These proposed facilities are specifically envisioned for housing non-violent inmates, aiming to address the persistent issue of penitentiary overpopulation.
The minister further elaborated that this modular prison proposal is designed not only to ease congestion but also to reinforce existing resocialization programs, such as ‘Cárceles Productivas’ (Productive Prisons). These programs aim to reintegrate inmates into society through work and skill development. Separately, Álvarez informed that a specialized subsystem targeting extortion and related offenses recently became operational in Trujillo.
This new subsystem in Trujillo involves a collaborative effort from key judicial and law enforcement entities, including the Attorney General, the President of the Judicial Branch, and representatives from the National Police. According to Álvarez, these institutions are committed to ensuring the selection of highly knowledgeable and expert judges and prosecutors dedicated to tackling extortion cases effectively for the benefit of the country.
International Engagements and Regional Security Discussions
The Peruvian delegation’s focused visit to El Salvador underscores a growing international interest among nations grappling with organized crime to study and potentially adapt distinct security models. For an international audience, this trend highlights the complex global challenge of transnational criminal networks and the varied approaches governments are exploring to counter them. Such bilateral exchanges could influence the development of regional security strategies, impact human rights dialogues concerning law enforcement practices, and potentially shape future international aid and cooperation frameworks in justice sectors worldwide.
Following her engagements in El Salvador, President Keiko Fujimori’s international itinerary includes a trip to Madrid, Spain. She is scheduled to be in the Spanish capital from November 2 to 6, 2026. During her time in Madrid, President Fujimori will participate in the main activities of the XXX Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, a significant regional forum.
The insights garnered by the Peruvian delegation regarding El Salvador for El País in security management, coupled with President Fujimori’s participation in the upcoming Ibero-American Summit, are poised to inform future policy discussions on crime prevention and inter-regional security cooperation. International observers will closely follow developments for potential shifts in Peru’s domestic security strategies and broader collaborative efforts in Latin America.
Image: Agencia Andina
Sources consulted
- EL PAÍS: Keiko Fujimori se suma al modelo de mano dura de Bukele para hacer frente al crimen en Perú
- Agencia Andina: Ministro Álvarez: viaje a El Salvador permitirá recoger experiencias contra el crimen
- El Peruano: El Peruano te informa: consulta aquí las principales normas legales para hoy, martes 27 de Octubre del 2026
Adrian Velk is a global affairs journalist focused on breaking news, geopolitics, and societal trends. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, he delivers timely reporting that helps readers understand the fast-moving world around them. His work blends factual depth with clear storytelling, making complex events accessible to a broad audience.
