Ecuador prosecutors name political figures and crime boss in Villavicencio murder case

Ecuador’s Fiscalía has formally accused seven individuals of orchestrating the 2023 assassination of former presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. The indictment identifies businessman Xavier Jordán as the primary initiator and financier, former interior minister José Serrano as a planner who allegedly provided sensitive information, and former assemblyman Ronny Aleaga as the political‑criminal liaison. The organized crime group Los Lobos, led by alias ‘Pipo’ (Wilmer Chavarría), is said to have received roughly US$1 million to carry out the killing, with the group’s sub‑leaders—including Daniel Salcedo, Esteban Aguilar (“Lobo Menor”) and Luis Arboleda (“Gordo Luis”)—handling logistics and execution.

The prosecutors presented detailed roles for each suspect during a preparatory hearing, reiterating that five people were previously sentenced as material perpetrators and that several accused have since died in custody. The case remains ongoing, with the court set to evaluate the presented evidence and determine the defendants’ fates.

The investigation underscores alleged links between political actors and criminal networks, highlighting concerns over corruption and the influence of illegal groups on Ecuadorian politics.