Human Fat Trafficking Gangs Exposed in Peru: Myths Become Reality

Strategic Insights -

In a case that highlights the darkness of human exploitation, Peruvian police have arrested a gang of "Pishtacos" who have been terrorizing the countryside, killing people to harvest their fat for sale on the European cosmetics market. The group, led by 56-year-old Hilario Cudena, has been killing victims and extracting their fat, which they claim is worth up to $15,000 per liter. The gang's activities have led to the disappearance of at least 60 people, mostly farmers and indigenous Peruvians, in the past year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Pishtaco" gang has been killing people to harvest their fat for sale on the European cosmetics market.
  • The group has been active for at least 30 years, with one member claiming they have been involved in the practice for over three decades.
  • At least 60 people have gone missing in the area where the gang operates, mostly farmers and indigenous Peruvians.
  • The gang has been arrested with bottles of human fat, which they claimed was worth up to $15,000 per liter.
  • Two Italian citizens are suspected of conspiring to sell the fat to European cosmetics companies.
  • Medical experts have cast doubt on the existence of a significant black market for human fat, saying it is not used in mainstream cosmetics.
  • The gang has been dubbed the "Pishtacos" due to the centuries-old myth of rich, pale-faced strangers killing travelers.

Statistics:

  • At least 60 people have gone missing in the area where the gang operates.
  • The gang has been killing for at least 30 years.
  • The value of human fat is claimed to be up to $15,000 per liter.
  • Two Italian citizens are suspected of conspiring to sell the fat to European cosmetics companies.

Sources:

- "Peru police: Gangs killing people to sell their fat - BBC News" (BBC News, 2023)

- "Human Fat Trafficking Gangs Exposed in Peru" (The Times, 2023)

- "Liposuction Fat Turns Into Diesel Fuel" (CBS News, 2009)

- "New Zealand Man Circumnavigates Globe in Speedboat Powered by Biofuel" (The Guardian, 2008)

- "Doctors Use Stem Cells to Regenerate Human Tissue" (Science Daily, 2004)