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Ecuador Arrests Notorious Cartel Leader Amid Crime Referendum

11/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the arrest in Spain of Wilmer Geovanny Chavarría Barré, alias "Pipo".
Chavarría is accused of orchestrating assassinations and illegal gold mining, trafficking narcotics with Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Noboa said Chavarría faked his death and directed operations from Europe.
The arrest comes as Ecuador holds a referendum to curb organized crime, and Los Lobos is designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States.

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Story summary

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the arrest in Spain of Wilmer Geovanny Chavarría Barré, alias "Pipo".
Chavarría is accused of orchestrating assassinations and illegal gold mining, trafficking narcotics with Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Noboa said Chavarría faked his death and directed operations from Europe.
The arrest comes as Ecuador holds a referendum to curb organized crime, and Los Lobos is designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States.