Ecuador Recaptures Most Wanted Gang Leader More Than 1 Year After He Escapes Prison

José Adolfo Macías escaped from a prison in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where he was serving a 34-year sentence.

A wanted poster shows José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias Fito, the alleged leader of Los Choneros gang. Ecuador's Ministry of Interior via AP

Ecuador’s most-wanted fugitive and the alleged leader of the Los Choneros criminal group was recaptured after escaping from prison more than a year ago, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said on June 25.

José Adolfo Macías, also known as “Fito,” escaped in January 2024 from a prison in Guayaquil, where he was serving a 34-year sentence for crimes including drug trafficking and murder.