Financial Crime World

Ecuador’s Anti-Corruption Measures Struggle to Contain Bloody Turf War

A bloody turf war between rival criminal organizations has engulfed Ecuador, leaving a trail of violence and destruction in its wake. The conflict has claimed numerous lives, including that of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, whose assassination has sparked widespread outrage.

The Crisis Deepens

  • Reports of dismemberments, prison riots, bombings, and the killing of journalists, judges, and mayors dominate the headlines.
  • Many Ecuadorians are fleeing the country, with over 16,000 crossing into the US in December alone - a 24-fold increase from the previous year.

Corruption Widespread

  • Organized crime groups have infiltrated the judiciary, police, military, and executive branches of government.
  • Corruption allegations have swirled around Ecuador’s justice and security system, with the US withdrawing visas from high-ranking officials last year.

Experts Weigh In

  • Foreign syndicates are working with local criminal organizations to fuel the conflict, while economic insecurity has driven some Ecuadorians to crime.
  • Over half of the workforce is in the informal economy, leaving millions without a contract or benefits package.

Government Response

  • President Guillermo Lasso has implemented several states of emergencies but has failed to stem the violence.
  • His popularity has plummeted, paving the way for snap general elections on August 20, which he will not contest.

Impact on Presidential Election

  • The murder of Villavicencio could impact the presidential vote, with many political hopefuls seeking to emulate El Salvador’s leader Nayib Bukele’s tough-on-crime approach.
  • The frontrunner, Luisa González, has called for the judiciary to be reinforced, while other contenders are vowing a crackdown.

A Disillusioned Public

  • Up to 60% of voters are unaware of their names, making it difficult for candidates to connect with the public.
  • Analysts warn that the crisis will only worsen unless Ecuador’s authorities take concrete action to address corruption and restore trust in the government.