A dance school located in the Jos\u00e9 Carlos Mari\u00e1tegui human settlement of San Juan de Lurigancho has permanently closed its doors following a shooting incident attributed to extortionists. This closure came after enduring six months of threats and harassment from local gangs. The violent attack occurred on May 20<\/strong>, alarming both the owner and community members.<\/p>\n The owner, speaking to Latina cameras, disclosed the difficult decision to shut down her business, which operated out of her home. “I made the decision to close my business here because I also live here,” she stated. The pressure prolonged not only her livelihood but also her family\u2019s safety. Reports indicate that gangs, including those known as the “New Generation,”<\/strong> “the Mexicans,”<\/strong> and “the Chukis,”<\/strong> are behind these threats. They demanded money in exchange for alleged “security,” and with rising amounts\u2014demanding sums that escalated from 6,000 to 50,000 soles<\/strong>\u2014the owners felt increasingly trapped and unsafe.<\/p>\n The situation deteriorated further when extortionists left floral arrangements at the school\u2019s entrance, interpreted as overt threats. Frightened and distressed, the owner reached out for assistance from the authorities, but claims insufficient response from the police. \u201cI have reported to the R\u00edmac and DININCRI, but so far there has been no response,\u201d she mentioned.<\/p>\n The emotional repercussions of this closure echo beyond just the owners. The manager expressed nostalgia for the ties built with students who had been part of the academy since its inception. \u201cIt makes me nostalgic because there are people who have been with us since we started, sending messages, calling, telling us how we are,\u201d he shared. The community\u2019s connection to the dance school faced rupture as many communications ceased, adding another layer of grief to the closure.<\/p>\n The owner elaborated on the changes in her daily life and that of her family. Living under constant threat, she stated, \u201cWe feel insecure; we can’t even sleep here. My children don’t go to school, they don\u2019t go to university.\u201d This fear has limited their daily activities and altered their routines, highlighting the pervasive fear instigated by criminal activities in the area.<\/p>\n In response to the growing extortion issue, the Peruvian government activated Central 111, a confidential, 24\/7 operational channel for citizens to report any cases of extortion. The service allows individuals to send evidence like audio or video to facilitate investigations.<\/p>\n Citizens are also encouraged to utilize these alternative channels for reporting extortion:<\/p>\n The closure of the dance school in San Juan de Lurigancho underscores a troubling intersection of community, art, and crime. As extortion and violence disrupt local businesses, the call for effective policing and community protection becomes paramount. The affected families not only lost a source of livelihood but also their sense of safety, exemplifying the broader implications of extortion on everyday life.<\/p>\nThe Impact of Extortion<\/h3>\n
Warnings Escalate<\/h4>\n
Emotional Toll on the Community<\/h3>\n
Family Safety in Jeopardy<\/h3>\n
Authorities and Reporting Mechanisms<\/h3>\n
Additional Reporting Options<\/h4>\n
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Conclusion<\/h3>\n