QUITO — Prosecutors in Ecuador charged former interior minister José Serrano and six others on suspicion of involvement in the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. The Ecuadorean Attorney General's Office accused seven individuals of playing an indirect role in the killing of Fernando Villavicencio.

The charges mark a significant expansion of the investigation into the death of the candidate, who was shot dead at a campaign event in Quito days before the 2023 election. Fernando Villavicencio was a journalist and legislator known for alleging links between organized crime and government officials. He had received a security detail due to receiving death threats prior to his assassination.

Among the newly charged is Luis Arboleda, a senior member of the Los Lobos cartel. Wilmer "Pipo" Chavarria, head of the Los Lobos cartel, was also implicated in the murder of Fernando Villavicencio. The criminal organization has deep connections to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico.

Five of the seven newly charged suspects are considered fugitives. José Serrano and Xavier Jordán are currently located in the United States. Former assemblyman Ronny Aleaga is in Venezuela. Wilmer "Pipo" Chavarria remains in Spain with an extradition request pending after being captured there following reports that he had faked his own death.

The Attorney General's Office has requested Interpol red notices for the capture and extradition of the suspects. Pre-trial hearings are taking place for the newly charged suspects as authorities seek to bring all accused parties to justice.

This development follows earlier legal actions related to the case. Five people linked to the Los Lobos criminal gang were jailed in 2024 for orchestrating the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio. The alleged gunman in the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio was shot dead at the scene of the 2023 attack.

The investigation has also uncovered connections to past criminal cases involving one of the key figures. Ángel Esteban Aguilar, also known as Lobo Menor, was arrested in Mexico City in March and returned to Ecuador. Aguilar had previously been sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2013 for the murder of José Serrano's brother. He later fled prison after being granted parole.

Fernando Villavicencio served as a member of the National Assembly from 2021 until the dissolution of the legislative body on 17 May 2023. The dissolution of the legislative body on 17 May 2023 caused the 2023 Ecuadorian political crisis and a snap election, during which Villavicencio was campaigning when he was killed.

The charges against a former interior minister and high-ranking cartel members illustrate the extent of alleged collusion between state officials and organized crime groups in Ecuador. The involvement of the Los Lobos cartel, which maintains ties to Mexican drug trafficking organizations, shows the transnational nature of the violence affecting the country. The status of multiple fugitives in the United States, Venezuela, and Spain reflects the international cooperation required to resolve the case.

Why It Matters

Charging a former interior minister alongside cartel leaders shows alleged collusion between state officials and organized crime groups in Ecuador. The involvement of the Los Lobos cartel, which maintains ties to Mexican drug trafficking organizations, demonstrates the transnational nature of the violence affecting the country. With suspects located in the United States, Venezuela, and Spain, resolving the case requires significant international cooperation to secure extraditions.