In a recent police operation in Ecuador's Guayas province, three individuals were arrested on suspicion of extortion, revealed Interior Minister John Reimberg. Among the detainees are a security guard, a laborer, and a student, all with previous criminal records, including one for murder. The arrests were part of an operation named 'Libertad-249' aimed at combating extortion in the region.

The police reported that two of the suspects are believed to belong to a criminal group known as Los Águilas. They were arrested in the Naranjal canton but were allegedly operating in areas of Samborondón and the Nueva Prosperina district in northwestern Guayaquil. The suspects reportedly conducted extortion by making threatening phone calls and sending intimidating messages to residents in these communities.

This crackdown highlights ongoing concerns over crime and security in the region, particularly regarding extortion, which has become a significant issue for residents. With new reports of increasing homicides accompanied by a decrease in extortion cases, the government is emphasizing its commitment to enhancing public safety and combating organized crime in urban areas like Quito and Guayaquil.