Search widens to 135 km for missing Lizeth Bunshi in Ecuador

Authorities in Quito have expanded the search for 19‑year‑old Lizeth Bunshi to a 135‑kilometre stretch of the Machángara River, from the Cumandá sector to the Manduriaco dam. The operation, led by Captain Freddy Oña of the Quito fire service, now focuses on river curves, sediment accumulations and woody debris where a body could be trapped, after a complete sweep of the surrounding scrubland.

The case has raised legal questions about the use of private surveillance footage in disappearance investigations. Experts say owners must hand over recordings to the prosecutor or a judge when formally requested, though they may refuse a mere police request. If owners continue to decline, a judicial search warrant can be issued to obtain the footage, which can be critical for reconstructing the victim’s last movements.

Both the intensified river search and the discussion of CCTV obligations underscore the challenges faced by Ecuadorian authorities in locating missing persons and gathering evidence.