According to Peruvian National Police (PNP) General Óscar Arriola, a bilateral agreement between Peru and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was finalized in late April 2026 to strengthen the fight against transnational crime. The agreement, signed three and a half months ago during the transitional government of legislator José María Balcázar, focuses on dismantling foreign criminal gangs operating within the Andean nation through specialized cooperation and resource sharing.
The joint security initiative involves multiple layers of operational support, as outlined by participating authorities. According to the U.S. Embassy in Peru, the formal partnership delivers technology, logistics, specialized training, and high-level professional assistance designed to secure both Peruvian and American citizens. U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro welcomed the arrival of new joint PNP-FBI team members alongside General Arriola, emphasizing a unified commitment to dismantling criminal organizations.
Operational Goals and Scheduled Bilateral Meetings
The primary focus of the FBI partnership centers on cross-border criminal networks that operate without geographic limitations. To advance these tactical strategies, Interior Minister César Astudillo is scheduled to meet with U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro to discuss targeted enforcement measures against foreign syndicates currently operating inside Peru.
Did You Know? The security agreement between Peru and the FBI was officially signed at the end of April 2026, during the transitional government led by legislator José María Balcázar.
This bilateral coordination builds upon broader security expansions announced by Washington on July 29. Those supplementary measures include enhanced assistance for border and prison control through biometric tools, donations of explosive detection equipment designated for the Jorge Chávez International Airport, and structural backing for specialized PNP units.
Diverging Official Statements on the Agreement’s Status
Public statements regarding the status of the pact have highlighted distinct political viewpoints within the Peruvian government. While General Arriola and the U.S. Embassy formally confirmed that the agreement was executed in late April, President Keiko Fujimori told reporters on Tuesday that an official agreement with the FBI had not yet been signed.
Security cooperation continues to advance on the ground.
Despite differing public characterizations from the executive branch, security cooperation continues to advance on the ground. The combined task force specifically targets major transnational syndicates, including the Tren de Aragua, utilizing integrated intelligence sharing and investigative tools provided by U.S. agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the agreement between the PNP and the FBI signed?
According to General Óscar Arriola, the agreement was subscribed at the end of April 2026, approximately three and a half months prior to the public confirmation.
Who was leading Peru’s government when the pact was established?
The agreement was signed during the transitional government led by legislator José María Balcázar.
What specific resources does the U.S. government provide under this partnership?
The U.S. government contributes technology, logistics, specialized training, high-level professional assistance, biometric tools for border and penitentiary control, and explosive detection equipment for the Jorge Chávez International Airport.
How do you view the balance between international police cooperation and local executive oversight in combating transnational crime?