Former minister indicted in Ecuador presidential candidate assassination case

Ecuador's Attorney General's Office has indicted seven individuals suspected of involvement in the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023. The list of those charged includes former Interior Minister José Serrano, former legislator Ronny Aleaga, and businessman Xavier Jordan, along with four individuals linked to the Los Lobos criminal gang.

“

indirect perpetrators

These seven are accused of being indirect perpetrators in the crime. Villavicencio, a prominent journalist and politician known for his anti-corruption platform, was shot and killed at a campaign event in Quito less than two weeks before the presidential election. His assassination sent shockwaves through the country, and Daniel Noboa was later elected president.

“

financed and planned the assassination

According to prosecutors, U.S.-based businessman Xavier Jordan financed and orchestrated the assassination plot. Former minister José Serrano is accused of providing information about Villavicencio's whereabouts to the Los Lobos gang. Ronny Aleaga, who has reportedly been granted asylum in Venezuela, is alleged to have coordinated actions to carry out the killing. The suspected leader of Los Lobos, Wilmer Chavarria, allegedly planned the assassination for a $1 million fee.

“

provided information about Villavicencio's whereabouts

Villavicencio had a long career exposing corruption and links between organized crime and politicians, and he had received threats prior to his death. Five other individuals have already been convicted in connection with the assassination, with some receiving prison sentences of up to 34 years. The gunman who fired the fatal shots was killed by Villavicencio's bodyguards at the scene, and six other suspects linked to the crime have died in prison.

“

coordinated actions to carry out the killing