The plot thickens in the fight against transnational crime. Colombian police just scooped up the wife and daughter of José Adolfo Macías Villamar—the notorious Ecuadorian gang boss known as “Fito”—in a Sunday raid in Sabana de Torres. The duo was wanted in Ecuador on money laundering charges, and the operation went down with some major help from the FBI and Ecuadorian officials. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella didn't mince words on X, promising, “Colombia will not be a safe haven for the finances of transnational criminal groups.” He’s already planning to hand them over to Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa to face justice. If you’re wondering why this guy is such a main character in the crime world, Fito is the leader of Los Choneros, which the U.S. State Department officially labeled a terrorist group. He famously escaped a Guayaquil prison back in January 2024, which lowkey triggered a massive wave of violence and chaos, including that viral moment where gang members took over a TV station mid-broadcast. He was eventually recaptured and extradited to the U.S. to face drug trafficking charges. ## Why it matters Even with Fito locked away, Ecuador is still struggling to get a grip on drug violence. The homicide rate there has basically gone through the roof—quintupling since 2020. President Noboa is trying to crack down, but his aggressive military tactics are catching heat from human rights groups, especially after the 2024 deaths of four children. While voters reelected him because they’re terrified of the crime wave, it’s clear the situation remains a total mess.