Ecuador organized crime: Analysis of 530 criminal captures

An analysis of 530 records of criminal captures in Ecuador and abroad between January 2024 and September 2026 reveals shifting dynamics among organized crime groups. Data compiled from official reports by the National Police, Armed Forces, and ministries of Interior and Defense shows that the group ‘Los Lobos’ has significantly increased its presence in capture records, rising from 17% of captures in 2024 to 44% in 2026.

In contrast, the ‘Los Choneros’ group saw a decline in captures, dropping from 24% in 2025 to 8% in 2026. Of the total records, 105 correspond to high-value targets or identified gang leaders.

The records also highlight trends in recidivism and international enforcement. For example, Rolando Federico Gómez Quinde, known as ‘Fede’ and leader of ‘Los Águilas’ (an armed wing of Los Choneros), was captured in Ecuador in January 2025, escaped from prison in June 2025, and was subsequently detained by Colombian authorities in Medellín in October 2025 before being returned to Ecuador.