Issues with Taxi Drivers at Lima International Airport in Peru Surface
1 in 4 Taxi Drivers Has a History of Various Crimes
One in four (25%) taxi drivers at Lima International Airport in Peru, South America, has a history of police investigations for various criminal charges. In fact, many taxi drivers are currently under investigation as suspects, with most charges involving violent crimes such as rape, murder, drug trafficking, and kidnapping.
On the 10th (local time), the Peruvian daily newspaper El Comercio released a report containing these details. According to the report, there are about 800 taxi drivers operating under 33 transportation unions and companies inside Lima Jorge Ch?vez International Airport, of which 201 have been investigated by the police or are currently suspects for various crimes.
Among them, 18 committed violent crimes, including hit-and-run causing injury or death, drunk driving, manufacturing explosives and other hazardous materials, rape, murder, drug trafficking, and kidnapping. Many union or company managers also had serious criminal records. The media reported, "Among 28 representatives, 18 have been directly or indirectly involved in crimes such as fraud, rape, domestic violence, and murder," adding, "At least five have been sentenced to prison and served time."
Threatening behavior by the airport taxi association was also rampant. It was reported that they extorted key money as a condition for permitting taxi operations within the airport or threatened drivers who refused to pay. The media criticized, "The tyranny of the airport taxi association or companies is just the tip of the iceberg," and added, "These behaviors are no different from protecting criminals by hiding behind the facade of limited companies or associations that grant legality." They also noted that this reflects a vicious cycle where illegal acts such as charging passengers unfair fares were rarely restrained.
Previously, in 2019, two Korean tourists boarding a taxi at Lima International Airport were nearly robbed of their luggage and hip bags by assailants while waiting at a traffic signal. The Korean Embassy in Peru distributed safety travel information in January, stating, "There have been cases where local taxi drivers turned into robbers during rides," and advised, "When traveling within the city, it is safer and more convenient to use applications like Uber or Didi."
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