Ecuadorian prosecutor Marcelo Vásconez, who investigated the murder of Manta Mayor Agustín Intriago last year, among other cases of transnational organized crime, was murdered this Friday along with the bodyguard who accompanied him, according to the State Attorney General’s Office.
The murder occurred in the coastal city of Manta, in the Ecuadorian province of Manabí, around 5:00 p.m. local time (22:00 GMT), when hitmen shot him near the Prosecutor’s Office offices, according to what was reported by local media.
The Public Ministry indicated in a statement that it has begun investigations, while the National Police is collecting evidence at the crime scene, outside the Prosecutor’s Office headquarters.
death investigation
The bodyguard killed in the same attack identified himself as a police officer identified as Marco Ismael Moreno, according to the police institution.
Vásconez had been the prosecutor in charge of handling the case of the murder of the mayor of Manta Agustín Intriago on July 5, 2023, in an attack where the young local athlete Arianna Chancay also died.
The murder of Intriago caused great commotion at the national level due to his popularity in the country and the fact that months before he had been re-elected to the position with more than 60% of the votes.
As a result of the investigation by prosecutor Vásconez, six people obtained a sentence in the first instance to 34 years in prison, although a seventh implicated apparently remained a fugitive.
According to local media, he was also responsible for the investigation of the murder of prosecutor Luz Marina Delgado and her assistant, which also occurred in 2022 in Manta, among other cases of drug trafficking and organized crime.
Vásconez’s murder joins the string of organized crime attacks against politicians, police, judicial and prison authorities in Ecuador, whose best-known episode was that of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio last year.
Also in January of this year in the city of Guayaquil, they killed prosecutor César Suárez who, among other cases, was in charge of investigating the assault by an armed group on the studios of the TC Televisión channel during a live broadcast, which led to the arrest of thirteen people allegedly members of the criminal gang ‘Los Tiguerones’.
The most violent country
Ecuador became the first country in Latin America in homicides per capita, with a rate of 47.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, eight times higher than in 2016, which is attributed to the rise of violence by criminal groups, mainly dedicated to drug trafficking, although they are also dabbling in the illegal extraction of minerals.
Since the beginning of the year, the president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, elevated the fight against organized crime to the category of “internal armed conflict,” thereby classifying these gangs as terrorist groups and non-state belligerent actors, to which time that it declared a state of exception with which, among other actions, it militarized the prisons controlled by these organizations.
Guayaquil / EFE
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Interview with Crime Analyst Dr. Elena Torres on the Murder of Prosecutor Marcelo Vásconez
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Torres. The tragic murder of Ecuadorian prosecutor Marcelo Vásconez and his bodyguard has sent shockwaves across the nation. Can you provide some insight into the significance of his work prior to this attack?
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. Marcelo Vásconez was a prominent figure in the fight against organized crime in Ecuador. His involvement in high-profile cases, particularly the murder of Manta Mayor Agustín Intriago, highlighted his commitment to tackling impunity. Intriago’s assassination was particularly shocking due to his popularity and recent re-election, making Vásconez’s role critical in seeking justice for these crimes.
Editor: Given the circumstances surrounding his death, what does this indicate about the threats faced by law enforcement in Ecuador?
Dr. Torres: This incident underscores the dangerous environment that prosecutors and law enforcement officials contend with in Ecuador. The targeted assassination of a prosecutor is emblematic of the growing violence linked to organized crime and corruption. It reflects a systemic issue where those who dare to challenge powerful criminal networks risk their lives.
Editor: What can we expect in terms of the investigations following Vásconez’s murder?
Dr. Torres: The National Police’s immediate response, collecting evidence at the crime scene, is a crucial first step. However, investigations into such high-profile assassinations can be complex and fraught with challenges, especially if local or organized crime syndicates are involved. Public pressure for accountability will play a significant role in how thoroughly these investigations are pursued.
Editor: There were already sentences handed down related to the investigation of Mayor Intriago’s murder. How does Vásconez’s death impact those cases?
Dr. Torres: His murder could potentially complicate the existing cases. The fear of retaliation may deter witnesses or lead to further disruptions in the judicial process. It also raises concerns about the safety of other officials involved in these investigations and whether they will be able to continue their work without facing similar threats.
Editor: how can Ecuadorian authorities improve the safety and security of those in law enforcement and prosecution roles?
Dr. Torres: Strengthening measures to protect public officials is essential. This could include enhanced security protocols, providing support and training for law enforcement, and fostering a culture of transparency where officers can report threats without fear. Additionally, broader societal efforts to combat corruption and promote the rule of law are vital in addressing the root causes of violence against officials.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your valuable insights on this concerning issue. We hope for justice for Prosecutor Vásconez and his family, as well as for all victims of violence in Ecuador.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep these conversations alive to advocate for safety and justice in our societies.
Dr. Torres: The murder of Vásconez raises serious concerns about the continuity and integrity of ongoing investigations. His role was pivotal in securing convictions related to the Intriago case, and his death could potentially derail the legal proceedings, especially if there are threats to witnesses or if fear prevents further testimonies. It also amplifies the potential for those involved in organized crime to further intimidate the judiciary and law enforcement, making it more challenging to pursue justice in these cases.
Editor: Ecuador’s homicide rate is alarmingly high, attributed to organized crime, particularly linked to drug trafficking. In your view, what measures should be taken to address this escalating violence?
Dr. Torres: Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, the government needs to ensure the safety of its law enforcement personnel and judicial actors, possibly through enhanced protection measures. Furthermore, long-term strategies should include not only the militarization of police and prisons but also community engagement initiatives aimed at reducing crime and addressing the root causes of violence. However, a critical component is improving the justice system’s efficiency and transparency to restore public trust and safety.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your valuable insights. The situation in Ecuador remains dire, and it is crucial that authorities continue to seek justice for victims while protecting those brave enough to fight against crime.
