Criminal leader 'Pipo' received $1 million for Villavicencio's murder, Prosecutor's Office alleges

Ecuador's Fiscalía has formally accused several individuals, including alleged masterminds and intermediaries, in the 2023 assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. The prosecution's case implicates a former minister, a former assembly member associated with the correísmo political movement, businessmen embroiled in corruption scandals, and the leaders of Los Lobos, Ecuador's largest criminal organization.

During the preparatory hearing for trial, the Public Ministry detailed the alleged roles of each accused. It was stated that Wilmer Chavarría, known as 'Pipo' and the top leader of Los Lobos, reportedly received $1 million to carry out the assassination. Chavarría is currently in preventive detention in Spain, awaiting potential extradition to the United States or Ecuador.

Among the accused as intellectual and material authors are former correísta minister José Serrano, currently detained in the U.S.; former correísta assembly member Ronny Aleaga, whose whereabouts are unknown; and businessmen Xavier Jordán and Daniel Salcedo, who face corruption charges. The Fiscalía posits that Jordán was the instigator, financing, and planner of the murder, with Serrano allegedly providing sensitive information to Los Lobos via Salcedo. Aleaga is described as the link between the political sphere and the criminal structure, allegedly coordinating actions with Salcedo, who is accused of financing and facilitating the crime's logistics.

The prosecution believes 'Pipo' directed the operation that led to Villavicencio's death, allegedly in exchange for the substantial sum. His stepson, Esteban Aguilar, identified as the number two in Los Lobos, is accused of receiving orders from 'Pipo' and participating in preparatory meetings. Luis Arboleda, or 'Gordo Luis,' another leader of Los Lobos, is identified as the alleged logistical and financial operator, reportedly connecting with dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and local operatives to execute the crime and distribute payments.

Fernando Villavicencio, a vocal critic of former President Rafael Correa and known for his anti-corruption investigations, was shot and killed on August 9, 2023, just eleven days before the first round of extraordinary elections. Five individuals have already been convicted as the material perpetrators of the crime.