Peru Targets Venezuelan Remittances Amid Rising Crime Concerns

Peru's President Dina Boluarte announced a crackdown on money transfers abroad by Venezuelans in response to increasing crime linked to migrants. The move comes ahead of a transport strike demanding more action on security. Boluarte also plans strict checks on Venezuelans' income sources.

In a bid to tackle rising crime, Peru's government will scrutinize money transfers sent abroad by Venezuelans living in the country. President Dina Boluarte made this announcement on Tuesday, attributing the escalating crime rate to the influx of Venezuelan migrants.

Her statement precedes a planned transport company strike set for Wednesday, which calls for stronger governmental measures to address insecurity and extortion. Boluarte signaled a policy overhaul concerning migration, given the slew of crime reports involving Venezuelans in Peru.

Despite lacking specific data linking Venezuelan remittances to crime, Boluarte insisted on requiring proof of legal work and rental contracts from Venezuelans. "We'll trace the origins of their income through currency monitoring," she asserted, pointing out over 1.5 million Venezuelans have settled in Peru recently, according to U.N. Refugee Agency figures.

(With inputs from agencies.)