Feb 26 • 14:35 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

Account attributed to the son of alias 'Fito' promotes loans and money laundering on TikTok

A TikTok account allegedly belonging to Jair Macías, son of a notorious gang leader in Ecuador, promotes offers for loans and money laundering, raising concerns and attracting criticism.

A TikTok account purportedly run by Jair Macías, the son of Adolfo Macías, a prominent leader of the Choneros gang in Ecuador, has sparked significant controversy by promoting quick loans and money laundering schemes. The account, associated with the lion symbol—linked to alias 'Fito'—features posts that encourage followers to engage in dangerous financial activities, specifically by presenting easy money-making opportunities under the guise of supporting business ventures. Captivating visuals, such as money being washed in a sink, create an alarming portrayal of illicit financial practices.

This social media activity is set against the backdrop of ongoing legal proceedings in Ecuador, where the Fiscalía (Prosecutor's Office) is deep into a six-day hearing concerning money laundering in the 'Blanqueo Fito' case. These hearings aim to investigate the extensive networks of money laundering tied to criminal organizations like the Choneros. Jair Macías' TikTok presence is provocative, especially given its timing with the unfolding legal issues, reflecting a bold flaunting of the gang culture that continues to influence segments of society.

The viral nature of the content underscores a troubling trend where illegal activities are glamorized on social media platforms, potentially attracting youth to criminal behavior. While the account is purportedly meant to provide avenues for reporting extortion complaints, its primary focus on luxury lifestyles and questionable financial practices raises alarms about the normalization of crime as a means of financial success among the youth in Ecuador.

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