Ecuador: Ex-mayor arrested for alleged ties to 'Los Lobos' criminal group and money laundering

The recent arrest of former Camilo Ponce Enríquez mayor Baldor Bermeo Cabrera on July 28, 2026, has reignited discussions about how criminal organizations infiltrate politics in Ecuador. Bermeo is accused of being a major financier for the Los Lobos criminal group, allegedly moving around $3.2 million between 2023 and 2025 through mining companies.

“

The procedure was based on information gathered by the Prosecutor's Office, the Police, the UAFE, and intelligence agencies.

Interior Minister John Reimberg stated that the operation, which resulted in six arrests and the seizure of four companies, was based on information from the Prosecutor's Office, police, the Financial Analysis Unit (UAFE), and intelligence agencies. The Prosecutor's Office is investigating alleged money laundering linked to illegal mining and explosives distribution. Bermeo, however, claims his arrest is politically motivated.

Security experts highlight that criminal organizations invest in political candidacies to gain influence. Hernán Moreano explains that these groups can fund campaigns for various positions or co-opt candidates to serve their interests. Jean Paúl Pinto adds that they often target political organizations in need of resources, offering financing in exchange for placing their own candidates or associates within the party structure.

“

Criminal organizations can invest resources in candidacies for various dignities. They can also co-opt candidates with the purpose of having them respond to the interests of the group that financed them.

Andrés Obando, a political communication specialist, notes that the goal isn't always to win an election but to secure access to decision-making spaces. This can be achieved through campaign financing, promoting their own candidates, or backing profiles that will later align with their interests. Pinto further elaborates that infiltration can extend beyond candidates to key positions in finance, planning, treasury, and project management, enabling influence over public contracting and project awards.

“

These groups seek political organizations that need resources and offer to finance their campaigns in exchange for incorporating candidates or people close to the criminal structures.

Obando points out that infiltration often occurs through networks of contacts, political operators, contractors, or third parties, making it difficult to trace the source of funds and the individuals behind the financing. Pinto also mentions that criminal structures may finance multiple candidates within the same jurisdiction to ensure continued influence over local administration, regardless of who wins the election.

“

The objective is not necessarily to win an election, but to ensure access to the spaces where decisions are made.