Alias ‘Chuky’, a notorious hitman and leader of criminal organization Los Choneros, has been captured in an operation by the Ecuadorian Armed Forces in the canton of Rumiñahui, Pichincha. With an active sentence of 34 years, he had been a fugitive since 2024 when he escaped from a prison in Sucumbíos. His capture is noteworthy as he was considered a high-value target, illustrating ongoing efforts to tackle organized crime in Ecuador.

Chuky was known for his influence in various provinces including Sucumbíos, Orellana, and Pedernales, the latter of which he allegedly used to direct several drug trafficking routes connecting the Amazon with the coast. His criminal history includes involvement in robbery, extortion, and hiring killers, carrying out violent acts that instilled fear among local residents. The Ecuadorian military identified him as having close ties to another criminal figure, ‘Fito’, emphasizing the intertwined nature of organized crime in the region.

The capture of Chuky signifies a substantial blow to the logistics and administration of organized crime groups operating in Ecuador. According to the Ministry of the Interior, such operations aim to disrupt their activities and enhance public safety, especially in regions plagued by narcotrafficking and violence. This incident not only marks a potentially positive outcome in the fight against crime but also raises questions about the broader implications for security and governance in the affected provinces.