Quevedo merchant extortion case leads to suspect's arrest

A man identified as Andy C. has been placed in preventive detention in Quevedo, Los Ríos, following allegations of extorting a local merchant. The victim reported receiving threatening messages via a messaging application starting September 3, demanding USD 18,000 to allow the continued operation of his business.

Despite the merchant making a deposit into a provided bank account, the threats and demands persisted, prompting the victim to report the incident to the National Police. Investigators used the bank deposit as a primary lead to identify the account holder. Authorities apprehended the suspect in the Guayacanes sector.

During the legal proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence including the victim's complaint, the deposit receipt, a mobile phone, and a debit card. While the suspect claimed another individual was involved, that person has not yet been located. Under the Organic Integral Penal Code (COIP), the crime of extortion carries a potential prison sentence of up to ten years.