Ecuador police anti-kidnapping ops prevent $2.3M in ransom payments

Ecuadorian police conducted 26 'Libertad' operations from October 12-18, arresting 77 suspects and rescuing 12 kidnap victims, preventing an estimated $2.3 million in extortion payments. The operations reflect ongoing criminal activity in Ecuador, but the scale is modest relative to national crime levels. The claim is based on official police reporting, with no independent verification.