Ecuadorian authorities dismantle criminal network linked to Los Choneros in Manabí

Ecuadorian law enforcement dismantled a criminal organization operating in Manabí province, allegedly linked to the Los Choneros cartel, which was involved in the exploitation and branding of teenagers. The operation follows a multi-month investigation into the group's human trafficking and recruitment activities. It remains unclear how many victims were identified or the extent of the network's reach beyond the province.