INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
institutional weakness.A recent investigation by Connectas and local media outlets reveals a troubling pattern
Criminal organizations have secured 97 government contracts worth $13.5 million between 2010 and 2023, exploiting gaps in oversight and
criminal groups, the Chone Killers and Latin Kings, have effectively taken control of local institutions
The Chone Killers alone secured five public contracts worth $4.2 million.Another significant player, the late drug trafficker Leandro
with just 25 staff members to oversee nationwide contracts and investigate complaints
Criminal organizations have evolved beyond traditional drug trafficking.They now operate through legitimate businesses, secure government
contracts, and infiltrate municipal institutions
This transformation allows them to launder money while gaining political influence.The Inter-American Development Bank recently approved a
$150 million loan to help Ecuador combat organized crime.The funding aims to strengthen criminal investigation capabilities and improve
coordination between security agencies
against criminal infiltration of public contracts represents more than just a security crisis
warning about the sophisticated methods criminal organizations use to capture state resources and legitimize their operations.
