Leonardo Cortázar, who was captured in Panama on March 20, 2025, has been extradited to Ecuador and arrived in Guayaquil on February 10, 2026. Interior Minister John Reimberg announced his arrival via social media, emphasizing the importance of accountability for organized crime in the country. Cortázar is associated with a crime syndicate involved in significant illegal activities, which had implications for public safety and state integrity in Ecuador.

Reimberg's announcement included a congratulatory note to the National Police for their efforts in capturing and extraditing Cortázar, signaling a strong governmental stance against impunity in Ecuador. He remarked that despite attempts to evade justice, individuals like Cortázar will ultimately be held accountable for their actions. The arrival of Cortázar marks a pivotal point in the country's fight against organized crime, underscoring ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement.

Cortázar will be detained at the Encuentro Prison in Santa Elena, which has been a focal point for the government’s initiatives to combat organized crime. His case reflects broader concerns regarding organized criminal activities in Ecuador, as authorities grapple with the influence of drug trafficking and related violence. The minister's remarks suggest the administration’s commitment to restoring law and order, emphasizing that the government will pursue all those involved in such criminal enterprises.