HSI International Operations Announces Graduation of Newly Established TCIU Peru

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On May 3, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the government of Peru graduated the Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit (TCIU) Peru in a formal ceremony held at the Guardian Center in Perry, Georgia, officially establishing the unit in Peru.

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“This day is not just a culmination but a testament to years of rigorous training, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to the principles of justice, security and exemplary service to your nations,” said HSI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeff DaRin, who spoke at the graduation. “In our dynamic and ever-evolving world, where threats are multifaceted and increasingly complex, your roles in the Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit have never been more vital, solidifying the foundation of our growing international partnerships.”

TCIU Peru was formed last September with the signing of the memorandum of cooperation by HSI Assistant Director for International Operations David Magdycz and Comandante General of the National Police of Peru Jorge Angulo.

“The establishment of TCIU Peru assists the United States and Peru in combating the global threat of transnational crimes in the region,” said HSI Attache to Peru Paul Salamon. “The objective of this unit is to identify, disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations in Peru while enhancing citizen security.”

Support for TCIUs comes from a close collaboration between U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), covered in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

“The tools, trainings and techniques these officers received these past three weeks are the final step to the TCIU being fully operational. I look forward to celebrating their future success as they embark on the important mission of countering transnational criminal organizations, making Peru and the region safer and more prosperous,” said INL Lima Director Glenn Tosten.

The effectiveness of HSI’s international ability to combat transnational crime is greatly enhanced by the TCIU program. TCIUs perform essential roles that promote HSI’s investigations and aid in the disruption and dismantlement of the transnational criminal organizations that pose a direct threat to national and border security. HSI’s TCIUs assist with furthering its global mission, working with foreign partners to investigate and prosecute people involved in transnational criminal activities that threaten the region’s stability, national security, and who pose continuing threats to the United States. TCIUs identify targets, collect evidence, share intelligence and facilitate prosecution in the United States and foreign countries.

TCIUs enhance the host country’s ability to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in transnational criminal activity that threaten the stability and national security of the region and pose continuing threats to the United States. TCIUs identify targets, collect evidence, share intelligence and facilitate the prosecution of transnational criminal organizations through both the U.S. judicial system and in foreign countries.

The TCIU program was launched in September 2011 and has more than 600 vetted and trained foreign law enforcement officers in 16 locations across North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Asia. HSI training efforts conducted throughout fiscal year 2023 led to the addition of approximately 200 TCIU personnel members from 12 countries. Globally, TCIU teams conducted 2,973 criminal arrests and seized over 232,218 pounds of illegal narcotics and precursor chemicals.

Learn more about HSI’s global mission and operations on HSI.gov. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSI_HQ.