—What new information have you gathered in the last few hours about the escape of inmate Jesús Romero Baldoceda? Are there any clues as to where it is? Are they close to recapturing him?
Shadia Valdez Tejada has held positions in the public sector for more than ten years. Photo: Carolina Urra/Minjusdh
An inmate escaped from a hospital in Peru on January 31 at 2:00 a.m., prompting an immediate investigation and search, according to officials.
The escape of Jesús Romero Baldoceda from the hospitalization area was reported by the guarding staff, triggering protocols, notification of the Public Ministry and Police, and the launch of corresponding procedures. Both administrative and criminal investigations are now underway, with involved workers made available to the Police.
The offender was admitted to the Juan Piedra Hospital. (@photo.gec)
Officials confirmed that security personnel reported the escape through a window. A breach in the custody scheme occurred, and the specifics are under investigation to determine individual responsibilities.
Surveillance footage captured the inmate leaving through the window, but the view was obstructed by a blind spot. The incident is subject to rigorous administrative and criminal scrutiny.
The Prosecutor’s Office investigates two INPE agents for the escape of an inmate from the Ancón I prison during a medical transfer
To prevent similar incidents, a key measure is a request to the Police to assume custody of inmates hospitalized for health reasons, as stipulated by the Criminal Execution Code. Currently, INPE handles this custody, but Article 158 of the Code assigns this responsibility to the National Police of Peru.
Maximum Security for ‘El Monstruo’
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Erick Moreno Hernández, known as ‘El Monstruo,’ is being held in the Maximum Security Detention Center (CEREC) at the Callao Naval Base under the strictest regulations. He is isolated in a single-person cell, has no access to prison benefits, and communication is severely restricted to one supervised monthly call and visits from immediate family with prior authorization. Custody is managed by the Navy, with INPE providing penitentiary control.
These measures are designed to prevent him from directing or coordinating criminal activities from the Naval Base. Officials state the priority is to eliminate any vulnerabilities.
The decision to confine ‘El Monstruo’ at the Callao Naval Base, rather than another penitentiary center, was based on his high level of danger, the severity of his crimes, public safety concerns, and the safety of the inmate himself.
Concerns about his safety arose after ‘El Monstruo’ claimed in Paraguay that he would be killed upon arrival in Peru and alleged links between senior National Police officials and criminal organizations. Territorial disputes between his former groups and other criminal organizations also contributed to the decision.
A System Under Strain
The current administration, having been in office for ten days, has already faced the arrival of ‘El Monstruo’ at the Naval Base and the inmate escape. The creation of a new institution to replace INPE has also been announced. The primary objective is to restore public trust through transparent management.
Officials acknowledge that the problems within the penitentiary system are decades-old and stem from accumulated deficiencies. INPE currently manages over 104,000 inmates with just over 41,000 shelter units, resulting in critical overcrowding and hindering control, classification, and treatment.
A structural reform is deemed essential. The plan is to install SUNIR in the first week of February, according to the minister of Justice.
SUNIR is not simply a name change, but a structural correction to the penitentiary model and resocialization process. It introduces an executive authority for internal control, differentiates between adult and youth populations, and incorporates a digital government approach to reduce discretion and corruption. The transition aims to ensure the continuity of the prison service.
Addressing Prison Extortion
In response to President Jerí’s January 24 visit to Ancón I prison, where he cited “serious administrative disorder” and vulnerabilities allowing extortion, the administration plans to modernize administrative and security interoperability systems. Regular and permanent reviews will be conducted to prevent inmates from possessing cell phones, with requisitions and the removal of electrical outlets in cells.
The replacement of analog video surveillance with digital platforms incorporating artificial intelligence is underway to enhance preventative and control capabilities. Priority is being given to ensuring cameras are positioned correctly, as some were found pointed at walls.
Regarding the former INPE president, Iván Paredes, and allegations of fraud and influence peddling, officials stated that any criticism should not reflect on the entire institution. The allegations are under investigation by the appropriate authorities.
The official, who was previously a candidate for Congress for Podemos Peru in 2021 and a member of the party, stated their political relationship ended in 2021 with a license request after the electoral process, followed by a formal resignation on August 28, 2025. They maintain they have acted in a personal capacity and are no longer affiliated with the party.
