A new study by Renato Rivera Rhon, published for the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), sheds light on the criminal economy that operates within the Ecuadorian prison system. The report details how gang control impacts daily life for inmates, with exorbitant prices set for basic necessities like oil, costing $20 per liter, and medications, such as paracetamol, priced at $5 per pill. This structure shows a worrying trend of how organized crime infiltrates and governs prison life, enforcing its own price points, fees, and punishments for non-compliance.

The report, titled 'Captura carcelaria: la gobernanza criminal en el sistema penitenciario de Ecuador,' indicates that within these closed markets, the cost of survival significantly affects inmates and their families. Families outside the prison system not only bear the financial burden but also face the dire implications of their loved ones' wellbeing being tied to the availability of resources dictated by gangs. This criminal economy not only reflects the issues within Ecuador's prison infrastructure but also highlights the broader implications of organized crime in society.

In essence, the investigation outlines a cycle of dependency on organized crime for basic survival, raising concerns about the effectiveness of correctional facilities in Ecuador. It points to the urgent need for reforms within the penitentiary system to combat the influence of criminal organizations and protect the rights and safety of inmates, ensuring they are not subjected to extortion and violence as a consequence of their incarceration.