Five alleged members of criminal network arrested in Guayaquil for extortive kidnapping
On the morning of 11 June, police announced the arrest of five members of an organisation that operated in several districts of Guayaquil through fake ride-sharing requests.
Five alleged members of criminal network arrested in Guayaquil for extortive kidnapping
On the morning of Thursday, 11 June 2026, the National Police announced the arrest of five alleged members of a criminal network operating in Guayaquil through the use of ride-sharing applications to commit extortive kidnappings, robberies and vehicle theft.
Among those detained are four men and one woman. Authorities link them to the criminal faction known as Los Choneros. One of those arrested has a previous record for firearm-related offences.
The top commander of Zone 8, District General Walter Fernando Villarroel Trujillo, explained that the investigation began with five complaints filed by citizens and analysis of audiovisual material circulated on social media. The affected sectors were Durán, Los Esteros, Portete and Nueva Prosperina.
Through intelligence operations, detectives reconstructed the manner in which those involved operated. First, they would request a vehicle through calls to ride-sharing platforms. Once the driver and car were at their disposal, they would intimidate the driver to change route. Once in an isolated location, they would overpower the victim, take their phone and delete the ride history to hinder any tracking.
Using the contact details of the victim's relatives, the criminals would establish communication to demand an economic ransom in exchange for returning the vehicle. This tactic allowed them to keep pressure on the victim, prevent them from reporting the incident and obtain illegal money.
During the raids, officers seized a car that allegedly served as a tool for the crimes, along with 16 mobile phones. General Villarroel stated that these items will be examined to strengthen the investigation.
_Source: El Comercio_
Source: Google News EC — Guayaquil