Jesús Daniel Romero and William Acosta for Poder & Dinero and FinGurú
The main cause of the violence occurring in Ecuador is due to Colombian cocaine and the disastrous policies of President Petro that increase its production. Ecuador is a victim of its geographical situation and its use of the US dollar.
The most recent case, where ten people were murdered and dismembered in El Oro, along with previous violent incidents in Durán, underscores the increasing frequency of these attacks. Since 2020, the number of massacres has been on the rise, encompassing regions that previously seemed safe from extreme violence. Although the government has declared a state of internal conflict and has intensified military operations against organized crime, the figures for 2024 are alarmingly close to those for 2023.
A deeper analysis reveals that the percentage of homicide victims who die in massacres has significantly increased. This initial rise was driven by clashes between gangs fighting for territorial control within the prisons. However, in 2024, the situation has largely moved outside the prisons, suggesting that massacres have evolved beyond these walls.
Access to automatic weapons has grown, facilitated by looser gun possession regulations and a surge in illegal arms trafficking. This has allowed gangs to eliminate large rival groups in a single attack, evidencing a direct correlation between the availability of weapons and the death rate.
The impunity that permeates the Ecuadorian judicial system has created an environment where criminal groups operate with the certainty that their actions will go unpunished. The rates of impunity in homicide cases exceed ninety percent in several coastal provinces, reflecting the authorities' inability to deal with persistent violence.
The fragmentation of gangs has been another determining factor. With leaders imprisoned or fleeing the country, local factions of groups such as Los Lobos, Choneros, and Tiguerones have begun to act more independently, intensifying internal conflicts and increasing the use of massacres as a tool for resolving disputes.
Mining areas have been particularly affected, with a notable increase in massacres in provinces such as Azuay and in the Amazon regions of Sucumbíos and Orellana. Criminal groups are consolidating their control over artisanal miners, extorting them and eventually taking control of the mines, which generates territorial disputes.
Violence also acts as a control mechanism over civilian populations. In areas where an armed group already has control, massacres can serve as collective punishment measures for noncompliance with the organization's imposed rules. This phenomenon has been observed in the province of Sucumbíos, where the Frontier Command exerts absolute dominance over the criminal underworld, carrying out social cleansing campaigns.
Ecuador has become a strategic point for drug trafficking in South America, due to its geographical location and proximity to Colombia, the world's largest cocaine producer. The country has seen the proliferation of production and trafficking methods that have impacted national security.
Coca cultivation, although not in large quantities, has been reported in areas of the Amazon region. Thus, Ecuador has transformed into an important center for cocaine processing and trafficking. Criminal groups have established laboratories where they transform cocaine into products ready for export. These facilities are often mobile and located in hard-to-access areas, making detection by authorities difficult.
Drug traffickers use ports on the Ecuadorian coast, such as Guayaquil, to send shipments of cocaine through commercial containers, disguising the shipments among legitimate goods. There have also been reports of clandestine flights transporting cocaine from Ecuador to Central America and the Caribbean, as well as the use of small aircraft and drones to evade surveillance.
Cocaine shipments produced in Ecuador are generally destined for the United States, where the demand for drugs is high, and Europe, with Ecuador acting as a transit point to these markets. Estimates indicate that cocaine production in Ecuador has increased in recent years, ranging between sixty and eighty metric tons annually.
The relationship between leftist governments and the rise of organized crime in Ecuador is a contentious topic. Some analysts argue that certain policies implemented by these governments have indirectly contributed to the strengthening of criminal groups. Social inclusion policies, although aimed at reducing poverty, have been manipulated by criminal groups to gain influence in vulnerable communities.
The dismantling of security forces and the lack of clear strategies have allowed violence to intensify. The absence of a comprehensive and coherent approach to tackling organized crime has led to an escalation of violence and the consolidation of criminal groups.
The situation is further complicated by the presence of foreign criminal groups, especially from Colombia and Venezuela. Groups like Nueva Marquetalia, the National Liberation Army, and the Gulf Clan have established relationships with local organizations, exacerbating violence and instability in the country.
Shipments of illegal arms arriving in Ecuador come from various sources and routes, reflecting the complexity of international arms trafficking. Below are some of the main paths and origins of these arms:
United States: One of the main sources of illegal arms in Latin America, including countries like Ecuador. Often, the arms are legally purchased and then diverted to the black market. This includes both firearms and ammunition.
Colombia: Given the geographical proximity and the presence of armed groups and drug traffickers in Colombia, Ecuador has become a destination for arms crossing the border. Colombian criminal groups, such as dissident FARC and the National Liberation Army, may supply arms to Ecuadorian organizations.
Venezuela: Political and social instability in Venezuela has led to an increase in arms trafficking to Ecuador. Criminal groups and gangs can exploit the lack of control by authorities in Venezuela to obtain weapons that are then smuggled to Ecuador.
Black Markets in Central and South America: Through smuggling networks operating in various countries in the region, arms can be trafficked from places like Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. These routes are often used for drug trafficking but have also diversified to include arms.
Maritime and Aerial Transport: Shipments of arms can be sent through ports and airports, hidden within containers of legitimate goods. Criminal organizations use sophisticated methods to evade the authorities' surveillance.
Illegal Manufacturers: In some cases, arms may be manufactured illegally within Ecuador. This includes the production of homemade arms or the modification of legal arms for use in criminal activities.
Corruption and Complicity: Corruption within the security forces and governmental institutions in Ecuador can facilitate arms trafficking. Corrupt officials may allow illegal shipments to enter in exchange for bribes.
The combination of these factors has contributed to the growing availability of illegal arms in Ecuador, which has exacerbated violence and insecurity in the country. The fight against arms trafficking requires a comprehensive approach that includes international cooperation, strengthening institutions, and an effective arms control strategy.
The relationship between Ecuador and the Nicolás Maduro regime in Venezuela has been analyzed in the context of the political and economic influence that the Venezuelan government has exerted over its neighbor. Some ways in which the Nicolás Maduro regime has supported Ecuador include:
Financial Assistance: Venezuela has provided loans and financial assistance to Ecuador during times of economic crisis, conditioning these funds on the implementation of policies that favor the interests of the Venezuelan regime.
Cooperation in Social Projects: The Maduro regime has promoted cooperation in social projects in areas such as health, education, and housing, seeking to gain loyalty and political support in specific sectors.
Resource Exchange: There are agreements for the exchange of resources, such as oil and food, allowing Ecuador to benefit in times of need but also creating a dependence that can be used to influence political decisions.
Support for Political Movements: The Venezuelan regime has been accused of supporting political movements and leftist parties in Ecuador, promoting campaigns aligned with the ideology of 21st-century socialism.
Training and Education: Officials and activists from political parties in Ecuador have received training in Venezuela, reinforcing the regime's influence in Ecuadorian politics.
Diplomatic Relations and Alliances: Venezuela has cultivated relationships with certain governments and political groups in Ecuador, seeking to create a support block in the region to compete with the influence of the United States.
Resources for Electoral Campaigns: There are accusations of providing financial resources for electoral campaigns of candidates aligned with the Venezuelan government, which may include direct funding or the facilitation of logistical and human resources.
The influence of the Venezuelan regime in Ecuador is complex and raises concerns about national sovereignty and political manipulation. The impact of this influence has been reflected in the internal political dynamics of Ecuador, especially in sectors advocating leftist policies.
The relationship between Venezuela and Ecuador has been marked by various agreements and treaties that reflect cooperation and political influence:
Energy Cooperation Agreement: Signed in 2009, it allowed Ecuador to import Venezuelan oil at preferential prices, ensuring energy supply during crises.
Trade and Cooperation Treaty: This treaty, signed in 2009, aims to promote trade exchange and cooperation in development projects.
Health Cooperation Agreement: Signed in 2013, it establishes collaboration in public health, including technical assistance and training of medical personnel.
Technical and Scientific Assistance Agreement: This agreement, signed in 2016, establishes cooperation in areas such as agriculture, education, and technology.
Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America: This regional bloc, founded in 2004, seeks to promote political, economic, and social cooperation among its members.
Defense Cooperation Agreement: Signed in 2018, this agreement includes collaboration in the training of armed forces and the exchange of information on security issues.
Bilateral Agreements in Education: Agreements have been established between universities and educational entities of both countries, facilitating the exchange of students and academics.
These examples reflect how the Nicolás Maduro regime has sought to establish and maintain influence in Ecuador through agreements that span economic, social, and political areas. The nature of these agreements raises concerns about sovereignty and Ecuador's independence in decision-making.
Corruption in Ecuador has been a persistent problem affecting various institutions and governments over the years. Cases such as that of Odebrecht, where bribes were paid to officials for public works contracts, have involved prominent figures such as Rafael Correa and Jorge Glas. Other cases, such as Rice Green and the Comptroller's Office, have also revealed connections between corruption and organized crime. There is no doubt that the socialist administration of Rafael Correa fueled drug trafficking, providing safe refuge for leaders and illicit activities of the FARC on Ecuadorian territory.
Corruption has permeated various institutions and governments, affecting public trust and the political stability of the country. These cases involve not only high-profile political figures but also unveil a broader network that..."Complicity between public officials and criminal organizations. Combating corruption in Ecuador requires a comprehensive approach that includes reforms in the judicial system, greater transparency and accountability, as well as a culture of integrity in public management.
The situation of organized crime in Ecuador, marked by extreme violence, drug trafficking, and corruption, reflects a series of complex challenges affecting the country’s security. The interconnection between local and foreign criminal groups, governmental influence, and the lack of control within security institutions have created a conducive environment for the growth of criminal organizations. The escape of leaders like Adrián Fito Espinel highlights the failures of the penitentiary system and the urgent need for deep reforms. Combating this violence will require a comprehensive approach that addresses both the roots of organized crime and the effective protection of those on the front lines.
Credits: Information gathered from various sources, including El Comercio, La Hora, El Telégrafo, and UN reports on drug trafficking and corruption in Ecuador.
Jesús Daniel Romero became an officer through the Maritime Enlisted Program and graduated with honors from Norfolk State University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He later graduated from the Naval Aviation Pre-Flight Indoctrination Course at the Naval Aviation Schools Command and continued intermediate training in VT-10 and VT-86 squadrons. He served aboard a nuclear missile cruiser, amphibious operation ships, and staff squadrons, as well as a fixed-wing bomber attack squadron and an aircraft carrier air wing, and was deployed to Libya, Bosnia, Iraq, and Somalia. He has served on tours with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Panama, the Joint Intelligence Center in Hawaii, and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. Jesús and his team successfully attacked an international criminal organization operating in several countries and the United States, dismantling and disrupting criminal activities on behalf of Mexican cartels.
William L. Acosta is the founder and CEO of Equalizer Private Investigations & Security Services Inc., a licensed investigative agency based in NYS and FL, with offices and affiliates worldwide. Equalizer maintains offices and subsidiaries in the United States in New York, Florida, and California. Since 1999, Equalizer's investigations have successfully closed hundreds of cases, ranging from homicides, missing persons, and other crimes. He has been involved in the criminal defense of hundreds of state and federal cases ranging from homicide, narcotics, racketeering, money laundering, conspiracy, and other federal and state charges. He specializes in international and multijurisdictional investigations, and in recent years has conducted investigations in Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, England, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, among other locations. He has directed or coordinated hundreds of investigations related to international drug trafficking, money laundering, and homicides; and has been an instructor and international speaker on various investigative topics. Specialties: Criminal Defense Investigations, International Investigations, Homicides, Undercover Narcotics Operations, Investigations, Asset Forfeiture Investigations, Conspiracy, International Human Trafficking, Surveillance, International Terrorism, Intelligence, Technical Surveillance Countermeasures, Internal Affairs Investigations, National Security."
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