Explosive Device Found Near Lima Police Headquarters: Citizen's Extortion Report, or Terrorist Threat?

A suspicious package containing an explosive device was discovered outside the headquarters of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (Dirincri) in Lima, Peru, on May 21, 2025. Initial reports caused alarm, suggesting a potential terrorist attack. However, a subsequent press conference revealed that the device had been left by a citizen reporting extortion. "The incident was not related to terrorism," stated a police spokesperson, though they refused to provide the citizen's identity or release security camera footage corroborating their statement. This refusal has raised questions among journalists, who highlight the initial police confirmation that individuals had left the device and then fled the scene. The incident underscores concerns about transparency and the handling of sensitive information in investigations.