Ecuador police arrest three students in extortion ring targeting merchants

Police in Ecuador have arrested four individuals in simultaneous operations in the cities of Cuenca and Playas. Among those apprehended are three students, who authorities allege are part of an extortion network targeting local merchants.

The operation, dubbed 'Libertad E-868,' was carried out by the National Police's Anti-Extortion and Kidnapping Unit (Unase). According to officials, the detainees demanded an initial payment of $3,000 from their victims, followed by a monthly fee of $400. These demands were backed by threats against the victims' safety, their employees, and their businesses.

Investigations suggest the group also extorted several businesses in Playas, including an electronics store and a butcher shop. The police are continuing to investigate the network's connections. The arrested individuals include Ana Cristina Vivar Zambrano, 21, a student; Humberto Javier Heredia Santos, 20, a student; Kelly Paulette Blacio Quezada, 31, a homemaker; and Francisco Javier Sánchez Avilés, 36, a student. The fact that three of the four suspects are students has drawn particular attention from the police.

Authorities seized five cell phones and a deposit slip as evidence. The four suspects have been handed over to the judicial system to face legal proceedings.