Ecuador police arrest 13 in raid on Los Lagartos crime group

Ecuadorian police launched a major operation, codenamed Tracker, arresting 13 individuals suspected of being part of the Los Lagartos criminal organization. The operation, involving 150 officers and 16 prosecutors, targeted a group accused of extorting businesses in Guayaquil for sums up to $1,000.

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the intervention mobilized 150 police officers and 16 prosecutors.

Interior Minister John Reimberg stated that the structure operated primarily in the Guasmo Sur area and was subordinate to the Tiburones Mafia 18. The arrested individuals allegedly coordinated criminal activities from various properties, which were also searched. These activities reportedly included extortion, contract killings, kidnappings, vehicle theft, arms trafficking, and drug dealing.

Among the detainees are individuals with prior records for extortion, robbery, illegal weapons possession, and drug trafficking. The investigation also links the group to a kidnapping and a vehicle theft. Authorities are particularly concerned about the organization's alleged attempts to expand its operations into Chile, seeking alliances with local criminal groups.

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the structure investigated demanded payments of between 300 and 1,000 dollars from merchants, companies, and business owners.

Ecuadorian and Chilean police collaborated to deport one alleged member of the group, who faces justice in Ecuador. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in Guayaquil.

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the structure had begun to extend its activities to Chile, where it sought to establish alliances with local organizations.