Macias Villamar

Macias Villamar, also known as 'Fito', is the notorious leader of Los Choneros, Ecuador's most prominent criminal gang. He has been a central figure in the country's escalating violence linked to drug trafficking, particularly as Ecuador has become a battleground for rival gangs. Villamar was serving a 34-year prison sentence for organized crime, drug trafficking, and murder before his escape. His gang is alleged to have connections with Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, facilitating drug routes to the United States. After escaping custody, he was implicated in ordering the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, leading to a state of emergency in the country as the government intensified its crackdown on organized crime. He was recently captured during a military operation in Manta.