Ecuador: Gang Leader Moved to Maximum Security Following Fernando Villavicencio Assassination

Following the assassination of a presidential candidate who had received threats from a notorious gang leader, authorities in Ecuador have taken significant actions to address the situation, AP reports.

Adolfo Macias, also known as "Fito" and leader of the Los Choneros gang, was transferred from a less secure prison to a maximum-security facility in Guayaquil, a move aimed at safeguarding citizens and detainees, as stated by President Guillermo Lasso.

The relocation was accompanied by a large-scale raid involving around 4,000 soldiers and police officers at the original detention center, resulting in the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

The Ecuador gang leader, Fito, had been confined in Prison 8, located in Guayaquil, since 2011.

Videos released by security forces depicted him in handcuffs and only wearing underwear as he was transferred from his previous detention facility to another location.

President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador confirmed that Fito was relocated to La Roca, a maximum-security prison within the same complex.

La Roca is designed to accommodate up to 150 individuals and is renowned for its high-security measures.

President Lasso expressed his determination to restore peace and security while making it clear that appropriate measures will be taken if violent reactions arise.

Ecuador Gang Leader Allegedly Sends Death Threats to Fernando Villavicencio Before His Assassination

Adolfo Macias, currently serving a 34-year sentence for charges including drug trafficking, organized crime, and homicide, had allegedly sent death threats to Fernando Villavicencio, the slain presidential candidate known for his anti-corruption stance.

Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated, having been shot three times in the head after leaving a campaign rally, BBC noted.

Before his murder, Villavicencio had spoken about receiving threats from Fito and expressed concerns about the gang's influence.

The assassination of Villavicencio has sent shockwaves through Ecuador, a nation that has largely avoided the drug-gang violence and corruption prevalent in neighboring countries.

Crime rates have increased recently, partly attributed to the activities of Colombian and Mexican drug cartels.

In response to the tragic event, the Construye party announced a change in its presidential candidate.

Christian Zurita, a journalist, was named as the replacement for Villavicencio.

This decision followed initial plans to have Andrea Gonzalez, Villavicencio's running mate, take his place. This choice was met with criticism from Villavicencio's widow, Veronica Sarauz.

Villavicencio's campaign focused on issues of corruption and drug-related matters. He was among the few candidates highlighting potential links between organized crime and government officials.

Shortly before his assassination, he reported alleged irregularities in oil contracts from a previous administration that cost the country billions of dollars.

Six Colombians have been arrested in connection with the murder, while a seventh was killed in a shootout. Authorities have not yet disclosed who orchestrated or financed the hitmen.

Pope Francis Condemns Fernando Villavicencio's Assassination

Pope Francis has condemned the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio and called for an end to political violence in Ecuador, according to Reuters.

Fernando Villavicencio, a former legislator and dedicated anti-corruption journalist, met a tragic fate when he was fatally shot as he departed from a campaign event on a Wednesday.

This unfortunate incident occurred less than two weeks before the August 20 election.

In response to the senseless violence, the Vatican issued a statement of condolence through a telegram addressed to Archbishop Alfredo José Espinoza Mateus of Quito.

In this message, His Holiness Pope Francis unequivocally denounced the unjustifiable violence in Ecuador that led to Villavicencio's assassination.

This is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Ecuador gang boss who threatened Villavicencio moved to high-security jail - From Al Jazeera English