Police dismantle extortion ring operating from prison

Ecuadorian authorities have successfully dismantled a sophisticated extortion network that operated from behind prison walls. The National Police's specialized units executed 'Operation Libertad 978,' a coordinated effort across three provinces that led to the arrest of four individuals implicated in the criminal enterprise.

The operation targeted a businessman who had been receiving escalating threats via WhatsApp since August 14, 2026. The perpetrators demanded $5,000, accompanying their demands with menacing photos of explosives and firearms to intimidate the victim and his family.

The intervention involved simultaneous raids in Manabí, Guayas, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas provinces. Key actions included searches of properties in Portoviejo and La Concordia, as well as a focused operation within the Guayas No. 4 Prison facility, also known as CRS Regional Guayaquil.

Among those arrested were two inmates identified as Michael Javier A. C., with prior records for drug trafficking and murder, and Jair Alexander M. R., who had previous charges for illegal weapons possession and robbery. Two other Ecuadorian citizens, Monserrate Arcelia R. A. and Carlos Alfredo P. M., were also apprehended.

Investigators seized five cell phones believed to have been used for coordinating the extortion attempts. The arrested individuals and the confiscated evidence have been handed over to the judicial authorities for prosecution. This operation underscores the persistent challenge of organized crime operating from within correctional facilities.