Summary
Ecuadorian gang leader Ángel Esteban Aguilar Morales was arrested in Mexico City. He was wanted for the murder of Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023. His arrest involved cooperation between Ecuador, Mexico, and Colombia.
Key Facts
- Aguilar Morales is a leader in one of Ecuador's largest drug-trafficking gangs.
- He was linked to the murder of Fernando Villavicencio, an Ecuador presidential candidate, in 2023.
- Aguilar used a fake Colombian identity to avoid capture.
- Mexico's security minister noted Aguilar was wanted by Interpol for drug crimes, extortion, and murder.
- Colombia's President called him a notorious assassin.
- His arrest was part of a joint operation involving Ecuador's navy and security officers.
- The gang Los Lobos, which he is associated with, is declared a terrorist organization by the U.S.
- Ecuador is a major transit country for cocaine produced in Colombia and Peru.
