Financial Crime and Corruption Plague Ecuador as Presidential Candidate Assassination Sparks Outcry

Background: The Turf War in Ecuador

Ecuador has descended into a bloody turf war as rival criminal organizations clash over control of lucrative drug trafficking routes. The country’s failure to contain the security crisis has led to widespread violence, including dismemberments, prison riots, and bombings.

The Root Causes of Violence

• Lack of Effective Response: Ecuadorian authorities have failed to respond to the security crisis for years.
• Strategic Location: Ecuador’s deep ports make it a key transit point for drugs heading to consumers in the US and Europe.
• Dollarized Economy: The country’s dollarized economy makes it an attractive location for traffickers looking to launder money.

External Factors Contributing to the Conflict

Foreign syndicates, including Mexican cartels, Brazilian urban gangs, and Albanian mafia cells, are working with local Ecuadorian criminal groups, such as the Choneros and the Lobos. Economic insecurity has driven some Ecuadorians to crime, while others have fled the country in search of safety.

Government Response: States of Emergencies and Corruption Allegations

President Guillermo Lasso’s states of emergencies have done little to curb the bloodletting, and widespread discontent with the rocketing crime rates has tanked his popularity. Corruption allegations have also swirled around Ecuador’s justice and security system, with the US withdrawing visas from high-ranking officers linked to drug trafficking.

Impact on Upcoming Presidential Election

The murder of Villavicencio, a former journalist who exposed corruption, could impact the presidential vote on August 20. Many hopefuls vow to emulate El Salvador’s leader Nayib Bukele’s tough-on-crime policies. However, all candidates face a disillusioned public, with high levels of apathy, dissatisfaction, and mistrust of the political system.

Potential Consequences for the Next Administration

• The ongoing security crisis may lead to a decline in voter turnout.
• The next administration will face significant challenges in addressing corruption and crime.
• Voters may feel empowered to vote for the most eye-catching approach to end the violence.