Ecuador was calm and peaceful. Now hitmen, kidnappers and robbers walk the streets

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Ecuador was once a peaceful and serene country, but now it is afflicted with rampant crime. Hitmen, kidnappers, and thieves roam the streets, casting a shadow of fear over ordinary citizens.

Belen Diaz, a college student studying to become a teacher, narrowly escaped robbery one evening when two men on a motorcycle pursued her. She managed to find refuge with a cab driver, but the following day, a deadly shooting occurred near her home in the city of Guayaquil.

The country’s tranquility began to unravel about three years ago, and now criminals, including professional assassins and kidnappers, are preying on both wealthy and working-class areas. Cartels from Mexico and Colombia have also established footholds in coastal cities, commandeering large portions of the drug trade that ships hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine abroad.

In a shocking incident, a presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, known for his strong stance against organized crime, was murdered in broad daylight. The situation has escalated to a point where “no one is safe from the insecurity in the country,” according to Anthony Garcia, a shrimp packer.

Violent deaths have surged in the country, with the National Police recording 3,568 deaths in the first half of the year, surpassing the previous year’s total. The underlying reasons are multifaceted, with battles between gangs, political turmoil, financial strains, and the COVID-19 pandemic all playing roles.

Criminals have started to demand protection money, termed as “vacuna,” or vaccine, from businesses. The phrase highlights the grim reality of crime as the only immunity to criminal threats.

The situation has altered the daily life of Ecuadorians. Many stores and eateries have installed additional security measures, and the fear of robbery has increased. Reports of theft have soared, with 31,485 cases registered last year.

Various gangs, such as Los Choneros, Los Lobos, and Los Tiguerones, are battling for territory and control, resulting in high levels of violence, especially in prisons. The death of a notorious gang leader in 2020 triggered unprecedented chaos.

Ecuador’s law enforcement is struggling, outgunned, and ill-equipped to deal with the rising crime rates. Areas of neighborhoods and prisons have become no-go zones. Local residents have even contributed to fueling police vehicles.

The city of Guayaquil is the focal point of violence, witnessing about a third of the year’s violent deaths. The atmosphere is tense, with fear and paranoia pervading everyday life.

Police stations have become fortresses, with out-of-date equipment and inadequate facilities. The tourism industry even had to provide accommodations for officers due to the poor condition of their barracks.

Stray bullets have become a public concern, with tragic consequences like the injury of a young boy who lost his ability to move from the waist down.

The prevailing fear and distrust have altered the fabric of Ecuadorian society. People are more cautious, even adopting strategies to avoid victimization. Belen Diaz, for instance, carries a decoy phone to hand over if robbed again and avoids social activities that might put her at risk.

“I’m going to stay single forever. I can’t go dating on these weird apps. I mean, imagine, they could kidnap me! Life is not what it used to be,” laments Diaz, reflecting the collective sense of loss and fear that permeates a country once known for its calm and peaceful existence.

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