The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) announced on April 30 that it led an operation to dismantle illegal telecommunications infrastructure around the Huaral penitentiary in the Lima region. The operation was carried out in coordination with the National Police of Peru and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, aiming to protect public safety and ensure legal use of the radio spectrum.
This action is important because unauthorized wireless stations can be used to facilitate crimes such as extortion or fraud from within prisons. The MTC said that controlling the radio spectrum is essential for neutralizing tools that enable these activities.
During inspections by the General Directorate of Inspections and Sanctions in Telecommunications, authorities entered five properties where they found clandestine wireless stations. Equipment seized included directional antennas aimed at the prison, switches, routers, hubs, and electrical systems used to operate these unauthorized services. The ministry said these activities represent serious administrative violations for operating telecommunications services without proper authorization. They are also classified as aggravated theft due to illegal use of the radio spectrum and supplying infrastructure for communications among incarcerated individuals.
The MTC reported that it has conducted 27 similar operations nationwide so far in 2026 as part of efforts against citizen insecurity. The ministry serves communities throughout Peru according to its official website. It functions under ministerial guidance as part of Peru’s executive branch with authority over transport and communications sectors according to its official website.
The ministry delivers safe, sustainable, and inclusive transport and communications infrastructure across Peru according to its official website. It supports national development through multimodal approaches since beginning operations in 1969 according to its official website. The MTC also operates service centers like MAC Lima Este and MAC Lima Sur for public access according to its official website.
The ministry stated it will continue supervision nationwide “to ensure that telecommunications are used responsibly and safely for public peace.” Officials say efforts will continue alongside other agencies “to eradicate informality and protect citizens’ well-being.”
