In Ecuador, there are several criminal groups, including Los Chone Killers, Los Choneros, Los Lobos, and Los Tiguerones, who have united under the name Nueva Generación in honor of a Mexican associate. Despite this association, they are not subordinate to any Mexican cartel, which has allowed them to collaborate with the Sinaloa Cartel.
Los Lobos play a key role in drug trafficking in collaboration with the CJNG, controlling access to important ports that facilitate illicit operations by sea. This has enabled negotiations with European traffickers, particularly with the Albanian networks that are quite active. It is presumed that Los Tiguerones have direct connections with the four-letter cartel and provide services for drug trafficking.
These Ecuadorian criminal groups engage in various criminal activities such as micro-trafficking of drugs, extortion, theft, kidnapping, and providing services for transnational drug trafficking organizations. Among these illicit activities, the participation of Latin Kings, Los Chone Killers, Los Choneros, and Los Lagartos in contract killings stands out.
The growth of organized crime in Ecuador has increased since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. During this time, the Ecuadorian economy was paralyzed by lockdowns, facilitating criminal groups to recruit minors and unemployed youth. Additionally, security forces reduced anti-drug operations to enforce social distancing measures.
The Government of Ecuador has declared a "war" against organized crime gangs and has classified them as terrorists since 2024. Recently, there have been alerts about possible assassination plots against President Daniel Noboa, which could involve hitmen from Mexico and other countries. In response to this threat, measures have been taken to reinforce the security of the president and other Ecuadorian authorities.
It has been identified that Mexican organized crime groups have established alliances with gangs and cartels in Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, including Ecuador. In this country, at least six criminal groups have consolidated ties with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) since 2020, raising concerns among authorities about safety and the increase of violence in the region.
