On 24 February 2026, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), in cooperation with the Escuela del Ministerio Público – Fiscalía de la Nación of Peru and with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening investigative capacities to address cyber-enabled crime in the Andean region.
The launch event, held in Lima, brought together prosecutors, law enforcement officials and international experts to discuss the growing challenges posed by crimes committed through digital technologies and the need for stronger investigative tools and cooperation mechanisms.
The conference also marked the fifth anniversary of Peru’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Offices for Cybercrime, highlighting the country’s efforts to respond to the rapid growth of cyber-related offences.
The event brought together more than 220 participants, including prosecutors and members of the Peruvian National Police, and featured expert prosecutors and cybercrime investigators from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and the United States, who shared their experience in addressing cybercrime and strengthening investigative responses.
Rising digital threats
In her opening remarks, Zoraida Ávalos Rivera, Supreme Prosecutor at the Second Supreme Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in Crimes Committed by Public Officials, highlighted the sharp increase in cybercrime complaints in Peru. She noted that technological developments, including artificial intelligence, are creating new challenges for criminal justice institutions and enabling new forms of criminal activity.
Aurora Castillo Fuerman, National Coordinator of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Offices for Cybercrime, recalled the creation of the Specialized Cybercrime Prosecutorial Unit in 2021 and highlighted the progress achieved since then. Despite limited human and logistical resources, specialized offices in Lima Centro, Arequipa and Trujillo have secured 540 convictions by 2025, supported by the development of technical guidelines and the establishment of a dedicated cybercrime laboratory.
The event also featured a session on digital evidence and investigative techniques, with contributions from international experts including Carlos L. Ramon (United States), Francisco Faiella (Argentina), Marcela Toledo (Chile) and George Lodder (Brazil). Discussions focused on strengthening investigations, improving prosecution strategies and enhancing international cooperation.
The event concluded with remarks from Carolina Lizárraga Houghton, President of the UNICRI Board of Trustees, who underlined the importance of sustained international cooperation and regional coordination, noting that transnational threats require collective responses, strong institutional partnerships and continued investment in capacity-building..
A regional initiative to strengthen cybercrime investigations and cooperation
The conference also marked the launch of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of law enforcement, judicial and financial authorities in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru to investigate crimes facilitated through the dark web and virtual assets.
Over a 15-month period, the project will develop practical investigative guidelines and deliver specialized training sessions for investigators and prosecutors across the four countries. The trainings will include case studies, scenario-based exercises and practical modules on digital investigations tailored to national operational needs.
The initiative will also establish a network of national focal points to promote continuous communication and cooperation among authorities in the Andean region. Through regular consultations and information exchange, the network will support stronger coordination in addressing transnational criminal activities online.
To further enhance international cooperation, the project will include a study visit to Italy and virtual exchanges with international experts, enabling practitioners to share experiences and explore effective approaches to investigating cyber-enabled crimes.
By strengthening investigative capacities and promoting cooperation among national authorities, the initiative aims to support more effective responses to cyber-enabled crime across the Andean region.
