The National Police confirmed that the extradition process of Leonardo Cortázar is underway, with his expected arrival in Guayaquil taking place early on Tuesday, February 10. Interior Minister John Reimberg is scheduled to make statements to the press upon Cortázar's arrival. Following this, Cortázar will be placed at the disposal of Ecuadorian justice and is expected to be transferred to a detention center in Quito.

Cortázar had been detained in Panama since March 20, 2025, after being captured by Interpol agents based on a red notice issued by Ecuador due to his alleged involvement in organized crime. His extradition comes after many months as he was considered a fugitive with an outstanding arrest warrant in Ecuador. The Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed Ecuador that it accepted the extradition request submitted by Ecuadorian authorities, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal processes associated with the case.

The Encounter case, involving Cortázar, highlights significant issues related to organized crime in Ecuador. His extradition is considered crucial for advancing the judicial proceedings and restoring faith in the justice system, which faces scrutiny due to the rise of criminal organizations in the region. The authorities will likely face challenges in managing and prosecuting cases that relate to such serious allegations as Ecuador continues to grapple with issues of crime and security.