In a recent interview, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa Azín commended the efforts of the Interior and National Defense Ministers, John Reimberg and Gian Carlos Loffredo, in combating organized crime. He reported a notable decrease in intentional homicides throughout the country, attributing part of this success to the detention of the criminal mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Alvarez, who faces charges linked to money laundering and fuel trafficking. Noboa questioned if the observed reduction in violent deaths could indeed be coincidental following the mayor's arrest.

Noboa also expressed concern over the deep ties of criminal groups within various sectors, including the Judicial Function and local autonomous governments (GAD). He emphasized that these entities wield significant political power, implying that the challenges in eradicating organized crime might be more systemic than merely focusing on individual cases. Despite these complexities, he reassured the public that his administration's focus is not on targeting individuals but on dismantling criminal networks that impact public safety.

The remarks come at a crucial time when Ecuador is grappling with rising crime rates, particularly in urban areas like Guayaquil. Noboa's administration appears to take a proactive stance on security, aiming to foster trust among citizens by showcasing tangible outcomes in their fight against crime. However, the mention of compromised governmental structures hints at a more extensive issue that the government must address to stabilize the situation in the long term.