Ecuador enacts law to combat criminal recruitment of minors

Ecuador has enacted a new organic law aimed at preventing and eradicating the criminal recruitment and use of children and adolescents by organized crime groups. The law, which was published in the Official Registry on October 2, 2026, includes significant reforms to the Organic Integral Penal Code (COIP).

Key provisions include increasing prison sentences for those who recruit or use minors for criminal activities from 10–13 years to between 22 and 26 years. To encourage reporting, the law allows for the use of identity reserves to protect whistleblowers.

The legislation also addresses digital recruitment by granting judges the authority to order the temporary blocking of IP addresses, domains, and URLs that promote criminal recruitment. Additionally, local governments are tasked with creating ordinances to establish prevention measures in public spaces, particularly near educational institutions.