For many bus drivers in Peru, going to work has become a life-or-death risk. Across the country, criminal gangs are demanding money from bus owners and transit companies in exchange for allowing them to operate. Those who refuse often face threats, shootings, bombings, and even murder. The crisis has grown so severe that transit workers have launched mass protests, schools have been forced to close during transportation strikes, and the government has declared states of emergency to try and restore order.
Bus drivers have become some of the most visible victims. Transport unions say numerous drivers have been murdered after refusing to pay extortion demands. In several cases, gunmen on motorcycles have opened fire on buses or drivers while they were working. Workers say the killings are intended to send a message to others who might resist paying. According to reports from transport leaders, some companies are being forced to make payments to as many as five different criminal organizations operating in the same territory. The overlapping demands have created an impossible situation for many operators.
When you look at the numbers, the scale of this crisis becomes hard to ignore. Recent official data shows more than 18,000 extortion complaints in just the first part of 2025, with full-year totals estimated to pass 26,000. That’s roughly a 29 percent jump compared with 2024. But experts believe the real number is likely much higher because many victims never file police reports out of fear of retaliation. Industry leaders estimate approximately 80% of transportation companies are now paying extortionists in some form because they fear retaliation if they refuse. The payments are often described as a cost of doing business in areas controlled by gangs.
Transit workers say enough is enough. Thousands of drivers and transportation employees have participated in strikes and demonstrations, demanding stronger action from the government. Their message is simple: they believe the state has failed to protect them from extortionists and contract killers, and they’re no longer willing to carry that risk alone.
The strikes and security fears have now spilled into everyday life across Peru. Schools have shifted to remote learning during major shutdowns, and some have even faced threats tied to extortion networks. Bus companies have added panic buttons and emergency alerts, but many drivers say more needs to be done. Workers describe living with constant fear, leaving home unsure if they’ll make it back.
In response, the Peruvian government has declared states of emergency in affected areas, increased police and military patrols along key transport routes, and says it is intensifying investigations into extortion networks. But despite those efforts, many Peruvians say little has changed on the ground. Extortion remains widespread, attacks continue to surface, and confidence in security forces is still fragile. For many workers, the crisis still feels firmly in control.
