On July 23, 2015, the Ministerio de Defensa announced that the Ejército Peruano had rescued 26 children and 13 adults who had been living under the control of the remnants …
Books & Articles
4 documents in Truth and Reconciliation Commission - Peru
The former director of the Dircote, Antonio Ketín Vidal, recounted two days ago that neither former president Alberto Fujimori nor his then-right-hand man, Vladimiro Montesinos, knew the day or hour …
A successful police intelligence operation led to the capture of the leader of Sendero Luminoso. Here is the first part of the story. This is the victory of patient planning …
In this interview, Colonel Benedicto Jiménez, former head of the Division of Police Operational Intelligence (Dircote), shares his perspective on the consequences of terrorist violence at the university and the …
Showing 1–4 of 4 documents
Timeline Events 42
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Capture of Abimael Guzman Reinoso
The capture of Abimael Guzmán Reinoso, leader of the Shining Path PCP, was carried out by the Directorate Against Terrorism (DIRCOTE) after a thorough intelligence work. This event occurred at the height of the violence in Lima, after the Tarata Street bombing on July 16, 1992. The capture of Guzman …
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Capture of Abimael Guzmán and Key Members of PCP-Sendero Luminoso
On September 12, 1992, the Special Intelligence Group (GEIN) of the Counter-Terrorism Directorate (DIRCOTE) successfully captured key figures of the PCP-Sendero Luminoso, including its leader Abimael Guzmán Reynoso, also known as 'Presidente Gonzalo'. This event marked a significant blow to the subversive group, leading to the initiation of their VI …
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Operation Hippocrates
Operation of the Dircote (Directorate against Terrorism) that intercepted one of the main 'health depots' of the PCP-SL. In this operation, various members of the PCP-SL's health management cell were captured, many of them students from San Marcos. These captures were made possible by the previous arrest of Tito Valle …
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Infiltration and Control of Peruvian Police Units by Vladimiro Montesinos
In May 1991, Vladimiro Montesinos orchestrated the infiltration and control of Peruvian police units by assigning two generals to the same unit. This move was seen as a strategy to ensure greater control over the police operations and to prepare the incoming director for leadership. The incident highlighted the influence …
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Rescue of Lucero Cumpa Miranda by the MRTA
On March 11, 1991, an MRTA commando carried out one of the most impressive and violent actions in Lima to rescue Lucero Cumpa Miranda. The MRTA leader was being transferred to the Judicial Power along with Nelly Evans Risco, a member of the PCP-SL, in a truck belonging to the …
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Capture of Lucero Cumpa Miranda in Magdalena del Mar
Members of DIRCOTE captured Lucero Cumpa Miranda, MRTA leader, in the Lima district of Magdalena del Mar. This was her second capture, as she had previously been rescued on March 11 by a violent action of MRTA while she was being transferred to the Judicial Power. The rescue of Cumpa …
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Infiltration of SIN Analysts into GEIN and DIRCOTE
On February 5, 1991, Benedicto Jiménez was appointed as the liaison officer between DIRCOTE and SIN by President Alberto Fujimori. This appointment marked the beginning of increased collaboration between intelligence services and DIRCOTE, with SIN analysts entering to assist in analyzing seized documentation. However, it was later revealed that some …
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Failed Appointment of Javier Palacios as Vice Minister of the Interior
In 1991, the appointment of Colonel Javier Palacios Ortiz as Vice Minister of the Interior in Peru was not realized due to opposition from within the military and police forces. Palacios, known for his effective anti-subversive work, faced accusations of being aligned with the previous government, leading to his reassignment …
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Formation of the Brigada Especial de Detectives (BREDET)
In 1991, under the direction of General Héctor Jhon Caro, the DIRCOTE in Peru formed a special group called the Brigada Especial de Detectives (BREDET) to enhance efforts against subversive groups. This initiative was led by Javier Palacios, who sought economic support from the U.S. Department of State. BREDET utilized …
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Capture of PCP-SL documents by GEIN
Between June and September 1990, the Special Intelligence Group (GEIN) of DIRCOTE made significant progress in the fight against the PCP-Sendero Luminoso. For the first time they reached a real trail that included documents, maps, reports on military actions and plans that would later lead to the capture of the …
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Training of the GEIN (Special Intelligence Group)
In March 1990, the Special Intelligence Group (GEIN) was formed within the DIRCOTE (Directorate against Terrorism) with the explicit objective of capturing the leadership of the PCP-Sendero Luminoso. This specialized police intelligence group was created at a critical moment in the internal armed conflict, when Metropolitan Lima had become the …
2 media 7 docs -
Formation of the Grupo Especial de Inteligencia (GEIN) and its First Major Operation
In March 1990, amidst the peak of the general elections, the Grupo Especial de Inteligencia (GEIN) was formed within the Dirección Contra el Terrorismo (DIRCOTE) in Lima, Peru. The GEIN focused on covert intelligence operations, including surveillance and tracking, to capture key subversive leaders. On June 1, 1990, GEIN conducted …
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Formation of the Special Intelligence Group (GEIN)
The Special Intelligence Group (GEIN) was formed within the DIRCOTE (Directorate Against Terrorism) with the explicit objective of capturing the leadership of the PCP-SL (Communist Party of Peru - Shining Path). This specialized group made significant progress in a short period of time. In the short term, between June and …
2 media 5 docs -
Creation and Implementation of GEIN
In the early months of 1990, during the government of the APRA party, the Special Intelligence Group (GEIN) was created to focus on monitoring the leadership of subversive groups in Peru. Despite initial setbacks, such as narrowly missing the capture of Abimael Guzmán in June of that year, the GEIN's …
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Detention of a Declarante in Ayacucho
On December 26, 1989, a declarant was detained in the district of Ayacucho, province of Huamanga, department of Ayacucho. The initial events took place at the DIRCOTE in Ayacucho. Subsequently, on January 23, 1990, the declarant was transferred to the Santiago Apóstol prison, also located in Ayacucho.
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Capture of Miguel Rincón Rincón
Miguel Rincón Rincón, leader of MRTA, was captured by DIRCOTE. This capture was part of the DIRCOTE's important achievements in the arrest of high-ranking leaders of subversive groups during 1989, especially the MRTA.
4 media 1 docs -
Critique of Counter-Subversive Strategy by DIRCOTE
In a presentation at the Centro de Altos Estudios Militares in late 1988, Palacios, a DIRCOTE official, criticized the lack of a cohesive counter-subversive strategy in Peru. He highlighted the absence of coordination among state organs, including police, military, and intelligence, and the government's failure to establish a comprehensive plan …
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Capture by Víctor Polay Campos (Rolando)
Víctor Polay Campos, alias Rolando, leader of the MRTA, was captured by chance in the Tourist Hotel in Huancayo. The National Directorate of the MRTA acknowledged, through a statement, that the capture of Polay Campos was a momentary setback and that it was a product of chance. This was one …
7 media 4 docs -
Creation of the Policía Nacional del Perú and the Role of DIRCOTE
In 1989, the Peruvian government introduced measures to combat subversion, including the creation of the Policía Nacional del Perú and specialized units like the Dirección de Operaciones Especiales (DOES) and Dirección de Inteligencia del Ministerio del Interior (DIGIMIN). Despite these efforts, the Dirección Contra el Terrorismo (DIRCOTE) faced challenges such …
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Assassination of Juan Vega Llona
Juan Vega Llona, the naval attaché of the Peruvian Embassy in Bolivia, was assassinated in La Paz on December 6, 1988, by a command of the PCP-SL operating under the name Movimiento Obrero Revolucionario (MOR). The assassination was in retaliation for his involvement in the suppression of a prison riot …
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Start of oral proceedings against Osmán Morote
On June 27, 1988, the oral trial against Osmán Morote Barrionuevo, who had been captured on June 12 of that year by the DIRCOTE in Lima, began in a public hearing. Morote was considered the number two in the hierarchy of the Communist Party of Peru - Shining Path (PCP-SL). …
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Capture of Osmán Morote Barrionuevo
The DIRCOTE captured Osmán Morote Barrionuevo, number two of the PCP-SL. The DIRCOTE did not know who he was until they confirmed his identity during his arrest, as he was carrying false documents. They found him thanks to information on the whereabouts of an important leader, but without knowing who …
1 media 20 docs -
Capture of Osmán Morote Barrionuevo in Lima
On June 12, 1988, the DIRCOTE (Directorate Against Terrorism) captured Osmán Morote Barrionuevo in Lima, considered the number two in the hierarchy of the Communist Party of Peru - Shining Path (PCP-SL). The capture represented a significant blow against the command structure of the subversive organization. On June 27, the …
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Formation of the Grupo Especial de Inteligencia (GEIN)
In 1988, a special group was formed in Lima, Peru, to analyze documentation related to the PCP-SL. This group, initially working under the guise of a legal advisory team, was tasked with processing secret information, including telephone interceptions. The efforts of this group laid the foundation for the Special Intelligence …
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Capture of Osmán Morote
Capture of Osmán Morote, Shining Path leader, by DIRCOTE. This was one of the achievements of the specialized police intelligence and investigation work carried out mainly in Lima and other cities during the APRA government.
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Mediation by Mantilla between DIRCOTE and Government Agencies
Mantilla acted as a mediator between the DIRCOTE and various government agencies, including the GC, to improve coordination and prevent unnecessary risks during the internal conflict in Peru. His efforts included facilitating direct communication and collaboration between DIRCOTE and other security forces, as well as involving DIRCOTE officers in government …
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Human Rights Violations in Lima Detention Centers
In 1988, detainees in Lima, Peru, were subjected to severe human rights violations, including torture and inhumane treatment, during interrogations by state forces. These interrogations often occurred in unofficial detention settings without legal oversight, where victims were coerced into providing information or confessions. Even during official detentions, where legal representatives …
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Discovery of PCP-SL Documents in Zárate
In November 1987, a civil court judge ordered the eviction of a small apartment in Zárate, Lima, leading to the discovery of ten boxes of documents belonging to Yovanka Pardavé Trujillo, a leader of the PCP-SL. These documents included plans and sketches of attacks against authorities and police. The information …
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Capture of Alberto Gálvez Olaechea
On 17 August 1987, the DIRCOTE, under the leadership of General Miyashiro, captured Alberto Gálvez Olaechea, also known as 'comrade Rodrigo'. Gálvez was a journalist for Cambio and a member of the MRTA. This event marked a significant achievement for the DIRCOTE, as they also seized a trunk containing valuable …
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Capture of Alberto Gálvez Olaechea (comrade Rodrigo)
The DIRCOTE captured Alberto Gálvez Olaechea, alias Comrade Rodrigo, journalist of Cambio and member of the MRTA. Gálvez was the first important detainee of General Miyashiro, currently Director of the DIRCOTE. With him, the DIRCOTE also seized a trunk with documentation of interest. This capture represented one of DIRCOTE's first …
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Capture of Alberto Gálvez Olaechea of MRTA
On August 17, 1987, the Anti-Terrorism Directorate (DIRCOTE) captured Alberto Galvez Olaechea, who was a leader of the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA). Gálvez Olaechea was also a journalist for Cambio magazine. This capture represented a significant blow against the MRTA leadership structure during a period of intense subversive activity …
1 docs -
Capture of Alberto Gálvez Olaechea
Alberto Gálvez Olaechea, member of the National Executive Committee and journalist of the weekly Cambio, was arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Directorate (DIRCOTE) in the capital city.
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Italian Government Support to DIRCOTE
In 1987, the Italian government provided significant support to the DIRCOTE, a Peruvian police unit, by investing approximately one million dollars or soles. This aid included essential equipment such as vehicles, bulletproof vests, and communication tools, which were crucial for the unit's operations amidst a severe economic crisis.
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Murder of Alberto Burgos, PIP agent
Alberto Burgos, an agent of the Peruvian Investigative Police who worked in the Directorate against Terrorism (DIRCOTE), was killed by the PCP-Sendero Luminoso as part of its campaign of selective annihilations against members of the forces of law and order.
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Reorganization and Support for DIRCOTE
In 1986, the DIRCOTE (Directorate Against Terrorism) in Peru received significant support and reorganization efforts from the government. This included the acquisition of their own detention cells, logistical support for infrastructure, and incentives for personnel working in high-risk areas. The efforts were part of a broader initiative to improve the …
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Reorganization of DIRCOTE's Operational Structure
In 1985, the DIRCOTE (Directorate Against Terrorism) expanded its operational capacity by organizing its forces into seven groups known as Deltas. These groups were tasked with monitoring and countering the activities of the Movimiento Revolucionario Túpac Amaru (MRTA) and the Partido Comunista del Perú - Sendero Luminoso (PCP-SL) in Lima. …
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DIRCOTE's Counterterrorism Efforts in Peru
In 1985, the DIRCOTE (Directorate Against Terrorism) in Peru was reorganized to enhance its counterterrorism efforts against the PCP-SL (Shining Path). The change in government provided the DIRCOTE with more autonomy and better organization, although it lacked clear directives and a comprehensive counter-subversive policy. The primary focus was on dismantling …
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Arrest of Laura Zambrano Padilla (comrade Meche)
DIRCOTE (Directorate Against Terrorism) arrested Laura Zambrano Padilla, known by the alias of Comrade Meche. She occupied the third place in the hierarchy of the Communist Party of Peru - Shining Path (PCP-SL) at the time of her capture. This arrest took place in a context of intensified political violence …
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Capture of Antonio Diaz Martinez, leader of the PCP-SL
The DIRCOTE (Directorate Against Terrorism) captured Antonio Diaz Martinez, who was a leader of the PCP-SL (Communist Party of Peru - Shining Path) since its beginnings. The Minister of the Interior pointed out that, with the capture of Antonio Diaz Martinez, for the first time, a prominent figure of the …
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Shining Path leader Antonio Diaz Martinez captured
DIRCOTE (Directorate Against Terrorism) captured Antonio Diaz Martinez, who was a leader of the PCP-SL (Communist Party of Peru - Shining Path) since its beginnings. The Minister of the Interior pointed out that, with the capture of Antonio Diaz Martinez, for the first time, a prominent figure of the PCP-SL …
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Attack against Acción Popular premises
The PCP-SL perpetrated an attack on the main office of Acción Popular on the day that the General Departmental Plenary of Lima was to be held. As a result of the attack, a security agent was killed and three members of Acción Popular were wounded. Investigating what happened, an ensign …
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Establishment of the Dirección Contra el Terrorismo (DIRCOTE)
In 1983, the Peruvian government established the Dirección Contra el Terrorismo (DIRCOTE) as a specialized unit within the Policía de Investigaciones del Perú. This move was formalized by ministerial resolution N.° 140-83-IN/PI on July 5, 1983, elevating the unit to the same level as DIRSEG. DIRCOTE was tasked with investigating …