Ecuador police rescue two kidnapping victims and arrest six in Ambato raid
On 13 June 2026 the National Police of Ecuador, through the Judicial Subzone of Chimborazo and the Tungurahua sub‑zone, carried out a coordinated operation after a kidnapping‑extortion report in Huachi Grande, Ambato. Six suspects linked to the organized‑crime group “Los Lobos” were arrested, including five Ecuadorian nationals and one U.S. citizen. The two victims were located in the nearby canton of Salcedo in good health. Police recovered a green Mitsubishi and a gray Hyundai, seized seven mobile terminals, nine clothing items, four vehicle keys and $334 in cash, and traced a stolen vehicle to Riobamba. The detainees were transferred to the Transitory Detention Center in Ambato and placed under preventive detention. The operation was supported by ECU 911 and the National Antikidnap and Extortion Investigation Unit (UNASE).