The Ecuadorian government’s reward program published a list of the most wanted criminals in the country. The information was released after criminal groups began to take over prisons, universities and even a television channel. Images of these events quickly went viral on social media.
"Get to know the list of the most wanted people in the country. Citizen support is essential for their capture. If you have information on their location, call toll-free 131 or through [email protected]. We will not allow violent acts to go unpunished," Ecuadorian authorities wrote in a social media post.
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Likewise, the reward program published posters with the information and photos of José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias “Fito,” leader of the organized crime group Los Choneros, and Fabricio Colón Pico, alias “Comandante Pico,” leader of the organized crime group Los Lobos.
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The South American country is undergoing a complex security situation that has worsened after the disappearance of the leader of the feared Los Choneros criminal gang, Adolfo Macías Villamar.
Authorities reported Sunday night that the whereabouts of Fito, who was imprisoned in Guayaquil, were unknown. Since then, numerous incidents have been reported, including prison riots, armed invasions of television stations and a university, among other violent incidents.
The escape of 'Fito'
Macías Villamar, the leader of one of the most dangerous criminal gangs in the country who is linked to drug trafficking, hitmen, extortion, and other violent crimes, was serving a 34-year sentence for murder and organized crime.
However, on Sunday, when Villamar was going to be transferred to a maximum security prison, the government reported that the Ecuadorian Armed Forces realized “the disappearance” of Fito.
On Monday, after reports of the escape of one of the most dangerous inmates in the country and the various violent events in prisons, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency, which restricts freedom of movement during night hours, suspends the right to freedom of assembly in the country, and provides for the possibility of requisitions to maintain order.
