Ecuador's National Police, through the National Hydrocarbons Crime Investigation Unit (UIDH), conducted an operation named "Atenas" that resulted in the dismantling of a suspected network involved in the illegal drilling of pipelines and the theft of fuel, which was then sold in the formal market. During the operation, six individuals were arrested while two remain fugitives. The Interior Minister, John Reimberg, reported that the network caused economic damages exceeding $9 million, marking a significant blow to fuel integrity in the region.

The Minister detailed that the criminal network siphoned off fuel from pipelines and transported it via over four seized tanker trucks to various gas stations across the country. This operation highlights the rampant issue of fuel theft in Ecuador, a problem that undermines both the legal economy and the integrity of fuel supply chains. It also raises alarms about the safety of energy supplies and potential environmental impacts caused by such illicit activities.

Reimberg emphasized that the investigation is connected to the Triple A case, which involves 22 individuals, including the mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Alvarez, who are facing charges related to illegal commercialization and diversion of subsidized fuel. These developments suggest a larger, potentially systemic issue of corruption and collusion within governmental and commercial structures which poses a significant challenge for law enforcement and regulatory agencies in Ecuador.