Ecuadorian Authorities Capture Notorious Gang Leader "Fito" After Prison Escape

Ecuador's Interior Minister reports the capture of gang leader José Adolfo Macías, also known as "Fito," who escaped from prison in 2024, leading to widespread violence and chaos throughout the country.

Ecuadorian security officials have successfully captured notorious gang leader José Adolfo Macías, widely known as "Fito," following his dramatic prison escape in January 2024 that triggered a wave of violence across the nation. President Daniel Noboa took to social media to announce the apprehension of the 45-year-old leader of the Los Choneros gang, considered one of the country’s most dangerous criminal organizations.

In his announcement, President Noboa stated: “We have done our part to proceed with Fito’s extradition to the United States. We are awaiting their response.” Macías is sought by U.S. authorities for numerous charges, including drug trafficking and weapons smuggling, with the Eastern District of New York previously indicting him on seven counts.

Fito’s escape from a Guayaquil prison shocked the nation after it was discovered that he had vanished from his cell during a transfer to a maximum-security facility in early 2024. This incident led to a government-sanctioned 60-day state of emergency, during which riots erupted in multiple prisons and gang assaults, kidnappings, and bombings plagued the country. Following his escape, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned both Macías and Los Choneros.

He was located and captured hiding in a secret underground bunker in Manta, nearly 120 miles from Guayaquil, as confirmed by Interior Minister John Reimberg. The capture involved a coordinated operation between the Ecuadorian police and military, with video footage showing Macías handcuffed and subdued by officers. Authorities transported him in an armored vehicle to a Guayaquil air base and then back to prison, where he was seen in a blue shirt, gray shorts, and flip-flops upon deplaning.

The capture of Macías comes two months after President Noboa’s election, where he promised to tackle gang violence in Ecuador. “More will fall, we will reclaim the country. No truce,” he reiterated on social media following the arrest. In response to the successful operation, the U.S. Embassy in Quito congratulated Ecuadorian officials via social media, reaffirming the commitment to combat organized crime together.