On March 20, during the fifth day of a curfew in Ecuador, authorities successfully executed an operation that disbanded a network related to the criminal organization Los Choneros. The network is believed to have facilitated the movement of over $1.6 billion within the financial system. Interior Minister Reimberg stated that previous attempts to intervene were unsuccessful due to the constant movement of individuals involved across various provinces. The authorities took advantage of the curfew to pinpoint and locate the suspects for their arrest.

The investigation, dubbed Emporio Presidiario, focused on uncovering a money laundering organization operating in the provinces of Guayas, Pichincha, and Los Ríos. The probe revealed that the criminal structure was allegedly led by Richard V., a U.S. citizen, along with his associates. This raises serious questions about the involvement of international actors in domestic crime in Ecuador, emphasizing the need for strengthened regulations and oversight in financial transactions to combat such activities.

The operation reflects broader concerns over organized crime in Ecuador, particularly the increasing influence of gangs like Los Choneros, which have been implicated in various illegal activities. Authorities are now faced with the challenge of not only dismantling existing networks but also addressing the underlying issues that allow such organizations to flourish, including corruption and economic instability. The success of this operation could serve as a crucial pivot in the fight against organized crime in the country, but it will require sustained efforts to deter future criminal activities and protect the integrity of the financial system.