Peru identifies police killers

Peru’s government said its initial investigation into allegations of police death squads has identified nine officers, including a general, who purportedly masterminded the disappearance of at least 20 civilians since 2012.

The preliminary report comes on the heels of comments by new interior minister Carlos Basombrio that there is strong evidence police officers ran death squads in to secure promotions and other benefits.

The revelations are fuelling louder calls for an overhaul of Peru’s free-wielding police force, which has been dogged by allegations of corruption and involvement in organised crime under former president Ollanta Humala.