Ecuador Seeks Extradition of Two Fugitives Linked to Villavicencio Case from Venezuela and US

Ecuador has formally requested the extradition of former assembly member Ronny Aleaga and businessman Xavier Jordán from Venezuela and the United States, respectively. Both are investigated for alleged participation in a corruption network connected to the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

The National Court of Justice of Ecuador notified the judge overseeing the case, incorporating the request into the expediente. The goal is to bring Aleaga and Jordán to face charges in the "Metastasis" case, an investigation that uncovered a network of alleged corruption and ties between criminal structures and officials in Ecuador's judicial, police, and prison systems.

Jordán is currently in the United States, while Aleaga remains in Venezuela. Both are accused of organized crime. Prosecutors allege they were part of a structure linked to drug trafficker Leandro Norero, known as "El Patrón," who was killed in an Ecuadorian prison in 2022. The investigation began in late 2023 after an operation led to the arrest of approximately 50 individuals, including Wilman Terán, former president of the Judicial Council.

Norero allegedly used his prison position to finance and support criminal organizations like Los Lobos, Los Tiguerones, and Chone Killers, who sought to expand their control against Los Choneros. The prosecution contends Norero's organization aimed to gain benefits within the penitentiary system and ensure protection and impunity for himself and his associates.

While about thirty people have been convicted in the "Metastasis" case, including Wilman Terán and former police general Pablo Ramírez, proceedings are ongoing for Aleaga, Jordán, and other fugitives. Their names are also linked to the investigation into Villavicencio's murder on August 9, 2023.