Angel Esteban Aguilar, alias “Lobo Menor,” was intercepted at Mexico City’s international airport. As we reported, he attempted to illegally enter the country with a fake name. His arrest represents a landmark advance in the ongoing struggle against transnational organized crime in Latin America. This is particularly timely in light of the assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.
Aguilar is believed to have orchestrated Villavicencio’s murder. The candidate was assassinated as he was leaving a campaign rally outside the capital, Quito in August 2023. Villavicencio, an outspoken member of Ecuador’s political landscape, was in the midst of running for president when assassinated. The event shocked the nation and created outrage across the country. In turn, government officials escalated, increasing their pressure to fight against criminal groups inside and abroad Ecuador.
Ecuadorian authorities had just recently tracked Aguilar, the alleged mastermind in this high-profile assassination down. His participation in organized crime goes further than just this bad call. He is connected with ongoing drug trafficking, extortion, and homicide enterprises. Mexican Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch corroborated these claims, saying that Aguilar’s criminal enterprises were among the worst in the world.
The collaborative effort leading to Aguilar’s arrest involved the national intelligence branches and police forces of Ecuador, Mexico, and Colombia. This collaboration demonstrates the regional dedication to addressing the organized crime that has affected countries from all over the globe.
“This action reflects our nations’ shared commitment to combating transnational organized crime.” – Omar Garcia Harfuch
Aguilar’s criminal ties go all the way to the top. Yet he’s accused of collaborating with Ivan Mordisco, head of the rebel faction of the Sinaloa Cartel Estado Mayor Central (EMC), and with the suspected drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes aka “El Mencho.” These ties highlight the intricate network of L.A.-centered, cross-border organized crime that stretches through the Americas.
The arrest raises the stakes amid a period of heightened tensions across the region. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused Ecuador of conducting military strikes on Colombian territory, following the discovery of 27 charred bodies near the nations’ shared border. The incident has increased fears over the growing violence associated with the expanding criminal networks that operate with relative impunity across both countries.
Upon hearing of Aguilar’s capture, Ecuadorian Interior Minister John Reimberg said they would stop at nothing to fight and kill criminals.
“No matter where they hide, we will find them, and we will catch them.” – John Reimberg
Aguilar’s arrest should send a strong message to the members of these dangerous transnational organized crime networks. This major step serves to stabilize a region that has been historically hurt by their presence. Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared that this arrest is a demonstration of successful trilateral collaboration between countries in the war on organized crime.
“This result represents a significant blow against transnational organized crime and confirms the effectiveness of trilateral cooperation.” – Gustavo Petro
