On August 31, 2026, Peru's Defense Minister Rafael Belaunde Llosa announced the capture of five suspects linked to violent incidents in the city of Trujillo. ^[1] Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde Llosa confirmed on August 30 that a ransom payment was made to secure the release of mining executive Jenss Marty Lara Tantaquilla. ^[2] Peru's Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde Llosa defended the National Police of Peru (PNP) on Tuesday regarding their operations that led to the arrest of suspects in a kidnapping and multiple murder case in Trujillo. ^[3] Defense Minister Rafael Belaunde Llosa confirmed that the person who was kidnapped was released and is currently safe with their family. ^[4] Defense Minister Rafael Belaunde Llosa stated that the government of President Keiko Fujimori is committed to fighting criminality without truce. ^[5] The five captured individuals include the four occupants of the truck used to execute the attack and a suspected logistics operator. ^[6] Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde Llosa stated that the money exchange was monitored by the National Police as part of the operation to locate the perpetrators. ^[7] Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde Llosa stated that the underlying motive of the attack was sicariato (hitman service) rather than a simple kidnapping for ransom. ^[8] The attack on the mining executive resulted in the deaths of four people in addition to the kidnapping. ^[9] Jefes de la Policía en compañía de Belaúnde anunciaron ayer, lunes, en Trujillo, la captura de cinco presuntos integrantes de la organización criminal 'Los Pulpos'. ^[10] Rafael Belaúnde Llosa appeared on the program Esta Noche to reject allegations that the arrests were part of a staged operation, stating that there are signed confessions and declarations from the detainees. ^[11] The suspects are alleged members of the criminal organization 'Los Pulpos' and are accused of kidnapping businessman Jenss Lara and killing four of his companions. ^[12]