Ecuador’s authorities have successfully captured the nation’s most wanted fugitive, José Adolfo Macias, known as "Fito," following his escape from prison last year. President Daniel Noboa announced this significant breakthrough on Wednesday, although details of the operation remain undisclosed. According to the Associated Press, Fito was apprehended in his hometown of Manta, Ecuador.
In response to Fito’s recapture, Noboa acknowledged the efforts of Ecuador’s police and military, stating there would be "no truce" in the ongoing battle against crime and corruption. His government had previously offered a $1 million reward for any information leading to the capture of the gang leader.
Fitted with a $1 million price tag, Fito’s high-profile status comes from his leadership of the "Los Choneros" criminal gang, which has been under scrutiny internationally. Quito has formally requested Fito’s extradition to the United States to face charges related to arms trafficking and drug crimes in a New York federal court. The Ecuadorian authorities await a response from Washington in this regard.
Fito’s criminal history includes a 34-year prison sentence handed down in 2011 for his involvement in drug trafficking, murder, and other criminal acts. His daring escape from the Guayaquil Regional Prison in 2024 during a violent incident remains shrouded in mystery. It is unclear how he managed to vanish, given his special status within the prison that had allowed him to release a video addressed to the Ecuadorian public, surrounded by armed guards, in 2023. Fito reportedly enjoyed privileges inside the prison, including access to alcohol and animals for cockfighting.
The successful capture of Fito marks a significant victory for Ecuador in its fight against organized crime, with further operations likely to follow.
- Edited by: Sean Sinico
