Prosecutors in Ecuador have indicted a former interior minister, José Serrano, and six others, including the head of cartel Los Lobos, Wilmer "Pipo" Chavarria, for their suspected role in the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023. The murder took place during a campaign event in Quito, just days before the election. Villavicencio, a prominent legislator known for his anti-corruption stance, was one of few candidates who publicly alleged links between organized crime and government officials. Daniel Noboa, who ultimately won the election and became Ecuador's president, has adopted a hardline military approach to combat crime gangs. Five individuals linked to Los Lobos were convicted for orchestrating Villavicencio's murder in 2024, with the alleged gunman being killed at the scene and six other men found murdered in prison while awaiting trial. The seven named by the Ecuadorean Attorney General's Office, who are accused of playing an indirect role in the killing, have connections to Los Lobos, one of the nation's most powerful criminal gangs. Fugitives include Serrano and Xavier Jordán in the US, Ronny Aleaga in Venezuela, and Pipo in Spain with an extradition request pending. The Attorney General's Office has requested Interpol red notices for their capture and extradition. Ángel Esteban Aguilar, also known as Lobo Menor, was arrested in Mexico City in March and returned to Ecuador after a red notice was issued over the murder of Villavicencio. The country's strategic location between Colombia and Peru, both major producers of cocaine, has made it a key transit hub for illicit drugs, with cartels like Los Lobos using corruption and violence to control supply routes. Deep connections to the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico are also reported. Pre-trial hearings are currently underway, and a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence for a full trial.