Financial Sanctions Handed Down by US Treasury Department Target Ecuador’s Violent Gangs
US Imposes Financial Sanctions on Los Choneros and Leader José Adolfo Macías Villamar
The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken action against one of Ecuador’s most violent gangs, Los Choneros, and its leader, José Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as “Fito”, in an effort to combat drug trafficking and gang violence in the country.
Background: Record Levels of Gang-Driven Violence in Ecuador
Ecuador is experiencing record levels of gang-driven violence, including:
- The assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio
- An armed attack on a local TV network while it was broadcasting live
- Widespread corruption
- Contributions from Mexican drug cartels, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación
Los Choneros: A Key Driver of Violence in Ecuador
Los Choneros has been involved in drug trafficking since the 1990s and has been a key driver of escalating violence in Ecuador since 2020. The gang operates from inside state and federal prisons throughout the country, with the support of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Macías Villamar: A Founding Member and Leader of Los Choneros
José Adolfo Macías Villamar is a founding member of Los Choneros and has been its sole leader since 2020. He was previously sentenced to 34 years in prison for crimes including murder and drug trafficking. In prison, he continued to direct the activities of Los Choneros using cell phones and internet access.
Sanctions: Blocking Property and Interests
The US Treasury Department designated Los Choneros and Macías Villamar pursuant to Executive Order 14059 for engaging in or attempting to engage in activities that contributed to the international proliferation of illicit drugs. As a result, all property and interests in property of the designated persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.
Consequences: Civil and Criminal Penalties
US persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violating the sanctions.
Whole-of-Government Effort
The move is part of a whole-of-government effort to counter the global threat posed by drug trafficking and its impact on American lives. The US Treasury Department will continue to target and pursue accountability for foreign illicit drug actors in support of President Biden’s National Drug Control Strategy.