In Guayaquil, following a three-month investigation, four individuals were apprehended in an operation focused on a gang involved in automobile theft. This operation, named 'Tauro,' was executed by the National Police's Anti-Crime Brigade in collaboration with the prosecutor's office, leading to six coordinated raids on Tuesday. Walter Villarroel, the commander of Zone 8 of the police, highlighted that the gang primarily operated in regions including Pascuales and Florida in northern Guayaquil, as well as Nueva Prosperina in the northwest.

The police outlined the gang's methods, noting that they would profile vehicles in various areas of Guayaquil. Utilizing 'magic keys,' they were able to steal cars and stow them away in garages, a process referred to in their terminology as 'making them cool down.' After securing the vehicles, the gang had two strategies: they either demanded ransom amountsing to $3,000 from the owners for the car's return or resorted to selling the stolen vehicles at fairs held in other cities. This strategy of mobility in their operation allowed the gang to evade capture for an extended period.

The apprehension of these suspects marks a significant development in combating car theft in the region, shedding light on an organized crime problem that has affected residents. The authorities are working on increasing their efforts to tackle this issue, indicating a heightened focus on police operations and coordination with legal entities to prevent such crimes in the future. This incident underscores the broader challenges local communities face with crime and the ongoing efforts from law enforcement to restore safety and public trust in vulnerable areas.