Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, were arrested by Ecuadorian police following the assassination of Carlos Alberto Suástegui Villanueva, known as “Axel,” at the José Joaquín de Olmedo airport in Guayaquil. Suástegui, a leader of the “Los Águilas” criminal group, was shot dead while walking from the international arrivals terminal to the parking area. According to Ecuadorian Interior Minister John Reimberg, the victim was a high-risk criminal target with multiple prior arrests for murder, illicit association, and illegal weapons possession.
How does the Guayaquil airport shooting link to regional organized crime?
Authorities are investigating a potential link between Suástegui’s murder and the arrest of Ronaldo Javier Macías Villamar, alias “Javi,” in Bogotá just 24 hours earlier. According to the Colombian National Police, “Javi” is the top leader of “Los Choneros,” the primary criminal organization in Ecuador. General William Rincón, director of the Colombian Police, stated that “Javi” was apprehended in a Bogotá apartment after being tracked by intelligence agents. As a key figure in the criminal structure once led by José Adolfo Macías Villamar (“Fito”), “Javi” faces INTERPOL Red Notices for money laundering, homicide, and conspiracy.
“Los Águilas,” the group led by the deceased Carlos Suástegui, functions as the primary armed wing for the larger “Los Choneros” syndicate. This organizational structure allows the parent group to outsource violent enforcement while distancing leadership from direct street-level operations.
What is the impact of transnational criminal leadership arrests?
The capture of “Javi” in Colombia represents a significant shift in the operational capacity of “Los Choneros,” which has been expanding its international reach. While Colombian authorities view the arrest as a success against transnational crime, the event has triggered political friction. The Ecuadorian government has publicly questioned the security cooperation with the Colombian administration under President Gustavo Petro. This tension stems from allegations—denied by the Colombian government—that Petro’s administration may have had contact with associates of the cartel during a 2025 visit to Manta, Ecuador.
Why are criminal organizations using minors for high-profile hits?
The use of a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old to carry out a targeted execution at a major international airport highlights a growing trend in recruitment within gangs like “Los Águilas.” By utilizing minors, criminal organizations often seek to exploit judicial systems that mandate lighter sentences for juveniles compared to adults. Police recovered two pistols from the suspects shortly after the Guayaquil shooting. This tactic shifts the risk profile for the organization, as the perpetrators are less likely to face long-term incarceration if apprehended.
Pro Tips: Understanding Criminal Network Structures
- Operational Silos: Criminal syndicates often use sub-groups (like “Los Águilas”) to compartmentalize risk.
- Intelligence Sharing: Cross-border arrests, such as the Bogotá operation, rely on data-sharing agreements between INTERPOL and national police forces.
- Youth Recruitment: Security analysts note that gangs increasingly target vulnerable youth to perform high-stakes violence to avoid adult-level criminal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Carlos Alberto Suástegui Villanueva?
He was a 39-year-old leader of the “Los Águilas” gang in the El Triunfo canton of Ecuador. Authorities identified him as a high-priority criminal target with a history of arrests for murder and weapons charges.
Is there a confirmed connection between the arrest in Bogotá and the murder in Guayaquil?
Police are currently investigating the timeline of the two events, which occurred within 24 hours of each other, to determine if the airport assassination was a retaliatory act or a power struggle triggered by the capture of the “Los Choneros” leader.
What is the status of the “Los Choneros” leadership?
The group’s former leader, José Adolfo Macías Villamar (“Fito”), was extradited to the United States in 2024. His successor, “Javi,” was recently captured in Colombia, creating a potential power vacuum within the organization.
Stay informed on regional security developments by subscribing to our newsletter or exploring our archives on organized crime in Latin America. Have questions about this ongoing investigation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Worth a look