In Santo Domingo, Ecuador, a successful police operation led to the arrest of four women and one man accused of extorting a local merchant. The arrests occurred during two raids in the Juan Eulogio housing cooperative area, following an investigation by the National Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion Unit (Unase). The process began after the merchant reported receiving threatening calls and messages demanding $5,500, which alarmed him due to the detailed information the extortionists provided about his and his family’s whereabouts.

The police intervention followed four days of intensive surveillance and tracking, culminating in a successful operation named Libertad 123. According to Álex Silva, the acting commander of Zone 4, the swift action of the authorities was prompted by the escalating threats the victim received, which included alarming details that increased his fear for personal and family safety. The capture of the suspects demonstrates the police’s commitment to combating extortion and ensuring the safety of local businesses.

This incident highlights the ongoing issues of extortion in Ecuador, which has become a troubling concern for many local merchants. As authorities continue to clamp down on such crimes, it raises questions about the existing frameworks in place for protecting victims and the efficacy of law enforcement in addressing extortion threats effectively. The arrests may serve as a deterrent, but the psychological impact on the victims needs to be acknowledged, showing a need for broader support systems for those affected by such criminal activities.