Story perspectives

Ecuador Court Greenlights Extradition of Gold-Smuggling FARC Liaison

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ecuador’s top court approved the extradition of Dario Penafiel to the United States.
Penafiel was seized in September in Ecuador’s Amazon for allegedly coordinating illegal mineral extraction.
Authorities say Penafiel kept ties to a dissident FARC faction.
He met drug lord Adolfo Macias “Fito” in a Guayaquil prison and later aided illegal gold operations.
In early March the United States and Ecuador launched joint military actions against terrorist groups, including Los Choneros.

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Story summary

Ecuador’s top court approved the extradition of Dario Penafiel to the United States.
Penafiel was seized in September in Ecuador’s Amazon for allegedly coordinating illegal mineral extraction.
Authorities say Penafiel kept ties to a dissident FARC faction.
He met drug lord Adolfo Macias “Fito” in a Guayaquil prison and later aided illegal gold operations.
In early March the United States and Ecuador launched joint military actions against terrorist groups, including Los Choneros.