"We, as financial investigators who undoubtedly possess far more skills than the criminals and their advisors, are the ones who, without resorting to violence, can uncover their operations and help bring them to justice."
With over two decades of experience in financial intelligence, Daniel has helped shape how criminal organizations are tracked and dismantled in Peru. As a foundational figure in the country’s UIF (Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera – Financial Intelligence Unit), he’s led award-winning investigations, built international alliances, and championed smarter, tech-driven strategies to combat money laundering and organized crime.
To start—can you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you get into investigations, and what drives your work today?
I worked for 10 years as a Customs Officer at SUNAT (Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y Administración Tributaria – National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration), and for the last 5 years I focused on combating international illicit trafficking of goods.
It was during this period that I was sent to a training course titled “Investigaciones Financieras en casos de Tráfico Ilícito de Drogas” (“Financial Investigations in Cases of Illicit Drug Trafficking”), held at the Escuela de Investigaciones sobre Tráfico Ilícito de Drogas de la Policía Nacional del Perú (“National Police School for Investigations on Illicit Drug Trafficking”).
At the end of the course, my team was assigned to conduct a study on the relevance of Peru having a UIF (Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera – Financial Intelligence Unit), as, in 2001, there was no UIF in the country. After reviewing a large volume of information and conducting several interviews, we concluded that our country definitely needed an agency capable of coordinating all efforts around a system for preventing money laundering.
Two years later, at the beginning of 2003—by a twist of fate—SUNAT appointed me as liaison officer between SUNAT and the recently created UIF. Through a few interactions with the person who would later become my supervisor, I found out that the new institution was in the process of recruiting personnel for its investigations department, and I decided to apply.
I joined the UIF, and remained there for 20 years, 15 of which I served as Intendente de Análisis Operativo (“Head of Operational Analysis”), the department where all national and international investigations are conducted. During that time, our team was honored twice with the BECA (Best Egmont Cases Award), granted by the Grupo Egmont (Egmont Group), an organization that brings together 164 UIFs from around the world.
Today, after having analyzed the financial behavior of hundreds of criminal organizations, I’ve come to understand that most of them use cash to operate. That is why I am currently leading a campaign that encourages countries to restrict the use of cash as an innovative and alternative way to fight organized crime.
In your experience, what’s one skill or mindset every great analyst should have—and why?
They must first develop a strong criminal mindset, the ability to think like a criminal, followed by the development of technical skills, particularly in the financial field, to effectively follow the money and know who to approach and where to find the right information. This should be complemented by tools that facilitate and enhance their investigative work.
You have been nominated as a key influencer in the financial investigations field. What project or accomplishment are you most proud of to date?
I take pride in having:
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Built a strong team of financial investigators within the UIF (Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera – Financial Intelligence Unit)
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Designed and standardized investigative procedures for the Departamento de Análisis Operativo (Operational Analysis Department), including the development of an in-house tool
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Won the BECA (Best Egmont Cases Award) twice
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Established a broad network of national and international contacts
What’s a trend or challenge in digital investigations that you think deserves more attention right now?
Incorporating AI into financial investigations. UIFs are small agencies, meaning they have limited staff, and they need powerful tools to handle more cases. With AI, we have a great opportunity to make that possible.
A lot of people in the field admire professionals like you. What advice would you give to someone starting in financial investigations or as an analyst?
Financial investigators must be fully aware that these three variables will always exist: unfortunately, there will always be criminals in the world; they exist because their crimes generate money and illicit profits, and inevitably, they will attempt to launder or legitimize that money.
We, as financial investigators who undoubtedly possess far more skills than the criminals and their advisors, are the ones who, without resorting to violence, can uncover their operations and help bring them to justice. But most importantly, we contribute to the seizure of their assets, which ultimately leads to the complete dismantling of the criminal organization.
And finally—what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? Any hobbies, passions, or routines that help you recharge outside of work?
I love recharging by living near the ocean. I enjoy surfing or simply swimming in the sea with my family.
Anything else you'd like to add or share?
I’d love to share these interviews with you, as they reflect the motivation that drives my current work as a financial investigator:
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