On March 20, 2023, during the fifth day of a curfew, Ecuadorian authorities executed an operation to dismantle a network linked to the criminal organization Los Choneros, which had moved more than $1.6 billion within the financial system. Interior Minister Reimberg stated that the operation could not be conducted earlier due to the constant mobility of those involved in multiple provinces. The authorities utilized the curfew to locate and apprehend the suspects.

The investigation, named Emporio Presidiario, revealed a network dedicated to money laundering in the provinces of Guayas, Pichincha, and Los Ríos. According to inquiries, the structure is reportedly led by an American citizen, Richard V., who, along with his associates, managed to operate a sophisticated laundering scheme that spanned across various service companies. The authorities gathered sufficient evidence for the operation to proceed under the cover of the curfew.

This recent crackdown is significant in the fight against organized crime in Ecuador, particularly against Los Choneros, a well-known criminal syndicate. The successful dismantling of the network could have broader implications for the financial landscape in the country, as it underscores the need for enhanced vigilance in monitoring financial transactions and addressing the infiltration of criminal enterprises within the legitimate economy.