Doubts raised over video in which Los Lobos claim responsibility for Villavicencio's murder in Ecuador
A video of hooded men claiming responsibility for the murder of candidate Fernando Villavicencio has raised questions about its authenticity. Citizen organisations and politicians suggest the recording could be fake.
Video of Los Lobos over Villavicencio murder sparks questions in Ecuador
According to infobae.com, a video circulating on social media in which approximately 20 hooded and armed men, identified as members of the criminal gang Los Lobos, claimed responsibility for the murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio—who was running for the Construye 25 movement—has generated serious doubts about its authenticity.
In the recording, the supposed spokesman for the group states: "Good evening, Ecuadorian people, we are here to give you this statement on behalf of our maximum leader, 'Pipo' [Wilmer Chavarría] and the minor Esteban [Ángel Esteban Aguilar, alias 'Lobo Menor']". The hooded man also warns that politicians who receive money from the gang and do not comply with its orders "will be eliminated", and adds that the organisation "takes responsibility for the events that occurred this afternoon".
SOS Cárceles denies the statement
The citizen collective SOS Cárceles, a platform that monitors the Ecuadorian prison crisis and the behaviour of criminal groups in the country, disputed the authenticity of the video on 10 August. Through a message published on X, the organisation stated: "The statement from 'Los Lobos' IS FALSE. The criminal organisation Los Lobos has attempted to position the death of its maximum leader 'Pipo' since February 2022. There are those who claim that he is still alive, regardless, it would not be coherent to spread his death and then attribute such a public murder to him".
This questioning aligns with previous journalistic reports. In October 2022, Ecuadorian media outlet GK documented two theories about the supposed murder of the head of Los Lobos: one indicates that alias Pipo died in the massacre of 23 February 2023 in Turi prison; another contends that he was eliminated by Los Choneros whilst he was at liberty. "The Police have not been able to answer on the veracity of any of these theories", that outlet reported.
For his part, Jimmy Jairala, former prefect of Guayas and founder of the Centro Democrático movement, posted that the video "was presented several years ago in Mexico and the audio track has been altered". By the time of publication, the authorities had not commented on the authenticity of the recording, despite repeated inquiries from various journalists.
Prior threats from Los Choneros
Villavicencio's murder was preceded by documented threats. On 1 August, the candidate's campaign team reported death threats received via mobile phone from someone who identified himself as alias Fito, head of Los Choneros. One of those messages said: "I already know you're the security one, you're not getting past today... I'm watching you", according to also reported by the police escort accompanying the politician.
It was the second threat in less than 48 hours. On 31 July, Villavicencio revealed that "people linked to alias Fito, in Manabí province, had passed on a threat to a leader of the movement in the city of Manta".
Alias Fito—Adolfo Macías—assumed sole control of Los Choneros following the death of alias JR, who was murdered in Colombia this year. Fito currently operates from a prison in Guayaquil.
Two rival megabands and their territorial dispute
Los Choneros and Los Lobos are considered rival gangs by Ecuadorian authorities. According to police, Los Choneros answer to the Sinaloa cartel, whilst Los Lobos are linked to the Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel, both Mexican groups involved in drug trafficking. Official estimates place Los Choneros at 12,000 members and Los Lobos at 8,000, making them the two largest megabands in Ecuador.
A recent Insight Crime report indicates that the balance of power has shifted. Ecuadorian journalist Arturo Torres, a security specialist, told that platform that "Fito hides in Guayaquil penitentiary, fearing for his life. Over the past two years, the Lobos have gained more territory inside and outside prisons. In addition to drug trafficking, they have moved into illegal mining in different provinces. They have displaced the Choneros and hold hegemony".
Source: Google News BO — Crime