Police arrest woman linked to extortion in Ecuador's Esmeraldas province

Ecuadorian police have apprehended a woman in the coastal province of Esmeraldas, connecting her to a series of violent crimes including extortion, assault, and robbery. The arrest occurred on July 10, 2026, as part of an operational strategy aimed at combating organized crime.

The operation was triggered by an armed attack on a commercial business in the central part of Esmeraldas city earlier that day. Social media footage of the incident prompted a swift police response. Investigators subsequently intervened at a property in the 20 de Noviembre neighborhood, which they believe was used by members of the transnational criminal organization known as 'Tiguerones'.

During the intervention at the property, police arrested the suspect, identified as Camily P. The authorities also seized several pieces of evidence, including a revolver and a spent shell casing. A motorcycle was also impounded for investigative purposes.

The National Police of Ecuador reaffirmed its commitment to combating criminal activities in the province, vowing to continue operational and investigative actions to ensure public safety and maintain order. This arrest is part of a broader wave of operations targeting organized crime structures across Ecuador, aiming to dismantle cells involved in extortion and other violent offenses.