Authorities in Guayaquil have detained four individuals, including two minors, for alleged extortion activities that involved threatening local residents for money.
In a recent operation, agents from the Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion Unit (Unase) in Guayaquil apprehended four suspected extortionists, two of whom are 17 years old. The arrests took place in the Bastión Popular area, where the suspects were reportedly intimidating residents through threatening calls and messages. Police investigations revealed that the suspects demanded money to ensure the safety of their victims and their families.
During the operation, law enforcement seized three mobile devices and proof of payment, indicative of their extortion activities. Authorities noted that the arrested teenagers had been implicated in sending threatening messages to multiple individuals in the neighborhood of Florida, highlighting the widespread nature of the extortion racket. The demands made by the suspects included large sums of money, creating a climate of fear among local residents.
Interior Minister John Reimberg elaborated on the operation, emphasizing the government's commitment to combating extortion and ensuring public safety. The involvement of minors in such criminal activities raises concerns about youth engagement in crime, prompting discussions on the need for preventative measures and community support to deter such behavior.
