Ecuador captures gang leader 'Sampayo' alongside three police officers in Machala

On the night of 10 June 2026, Ecuadorian National Police detained Cristopher Aaron Mejía Melendres, known as alias “Sampayo,” suspected leader of the Los Lobos Sao Box criminal group. The arrest took place in the San Ramón neighborhood of Machala while Sampayo was traveling in an official police patrol vehicle escorted by three on‑duty officers.

The three officers – identified as First Sergeant Walter Enrique L. A., Second Sergeant Víctor Vinicio R. P., and First Sergeant Cristhian Fernando J. S. – were taken into custody for allegedly facilitating Sampayo’s movement and for being present with firearms found in the patrol, including a 7.62 mm FAL rifle, an ammunition feeder and other equipment. Authorities have opened internal and judicial investigations to determine the extent of their involvement.

Sampayo had previously been linked to an April 2026 massacre in Puerto Bolívar that left five dead, among them his brothers Jorge and Wilson Mejía. The capture is being presented as a major advance in the fight against organized crime and police corruption in the region. “It’s outrageous; we will be relentless,” said Colonel Renato González, head of police Zone 7, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to accountability.