[REVISION HISTORY]

Human trafficking and exploitation in Ecuador

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-22 05:05 UTC → 2026-08-22 19:15 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Ecuadorian authorities have conducted operations to dismantle human trafficking and sexual exploitation networks. In the Pastaza province, police rescued a 10-year-old Peruvian girl who had been trafficked for the purpose of servile marriage, resulting in the arrest of a 50-year-old man. In the Manabí province, police launched ‘Fénix 0433’, a series of raids in El Carmen and Bahía de Caráquez following the rescue of a 16-year-old adolescent. This operation targeted a criminal structure allegedly linked to the ‘Los Choneros’ gang. Subsequent legal actions in Manabí led to preventive detention orders for three suspects suspected of trafficking for sexual exploitation. Investigations revealed the network reportedly used butterfly tattoos to control victims. During the raids, a tattoo artist was among those detained. While three suspects face prison, a fourth suspect was granted alternative precautionary measures, including periodic appearances and a travel ~~bans.~~ ban. Prosecutors have set a ninety-day fiscal instruction period for the case, supported by medical-legal examinations and psychological reports. Unicef has noted that the region remains highly vulnerable, stating that ‘one in four girls in Latin America and the Caribbean is subjected to early marriage.’

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