Presidential Candidate Targeted by Organized Crime and Assassinated After Promising to Combat Crime

Fernando Villavicencio Assassinated by Organized Crime

Fernando Villavicencio, a right-wing candidate in Ecuador's presidential election, has been assassinated by organized crime, according to a statement from President Guillermo Lasso. President Lasso expressed his outrage and shock at the incident.

Assassination of Efraín Ruales Villavicencio

The article reports on the assassination of former journalist Efraín Ruales Villavicencio in Ecuador. President Lenín Moreno, also known as Lasso, has promised that those responsible for the assassination will face punishment. Villavicencio had been outspoken about the connections between organized crime and government officials in Ecuador. The country has been struggling with an influx of foreign drug trafficking organizations, leading to a rise in homicide rates.

Suspect Dies in Police Custody

The man suspected of killing Villavicencio has died while in police custody, according to the attorney general's office. The suspect was injured during a shootout with security personnel and was apprehended. He was then moved to the attorney general's unit in Quito, but died from his injuries. The police are now collecting the body.

Villavicencio's Background

Villavicencio, a political opponent of former President Rafael Correa, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2014 for allegedly slandering Correa. He evaded capture for three years and sought political asylum in Peru, where he stayed until 2017.

Whistleblower Allegations

The article discusses a whistleblower who has accused the Ecuadorian government of misusing public resources in the commercialization of crude oil with a private company, Petrochina. The whistleblower estimates that this misuse has resulted in billions of dollars in losses for the country.

Politician's Campaign and Attack

The report provides information about a politician who was elected as a national congress member in the 2021 elections. The politician's campaign focused on building safety in the country through five pillars: citizen, food, economic, environmental, and health. In September 2022, the politician was the victim of an attack at his residence. The report also mentions that the politician is an investigative journalist who has contributed to exposing cases of corruption in various sectors such as oil, mining, electricity, telecommunications, and criminal structures.