An operation led by the Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion Unit (UNASE) resulted in the apprehension of two individuals, one of whom is a metropolitan control agent, suspected of engaging in extortion in Ibarra, located in the province of Imbabura, Ecuador. The arrests were initiated following reports that the suspects were intimidating citizens through threatening messages and accompanying photographs aimed at extorting them. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat extortion and ensure public safety in the region.

The Interior Minister, John Reimberg, disclosed that one of the apprehended individuals has a criminal record for illicit trafficking, suggesting a more extensive illegal background. During the arrest, authorities also confiscated five mobile terminals and a payment receipt, indicating that the alleged extortion attempts may have involved technological means to threaten or extract money from victims. This association raises concerns about the integration of law enforcement personnel into criminal activities, highlighting the need for vigilance in monitoring such agents' conduct.

The individuals have been handed over to the competent authority for further legal proceedings, emphasizing the judicial system's role in addressing crime effectively. These developments occur amid broader discussions in Ecuador about security and the measures required to combat rising crime rates, thereby reflecting the importance of community confidence in the justice system and law enforcement agencies. The case represents a pivotal moment for public officials, demanding accountability and a commitment to safeguarding citizens from corrupt practices.