Six suspects have been arrested in Cuenca after being accused of extorting a local resident and threatening harm if payments were not made.
The arrests took place in Ricaurte during a coordinated operation involving the National Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion Unit (UNASE), the General Directorate of Investigation (DGI), and the Special Operations Group (GOE). Officers carried out raids at several homes to detain those allegedly involved.
The individuals were identified as:
- Duvan CG, 29, and Juan CM, 34, from Colombia
- Jorge VP, 34, and Enyerber VV, 34, from Venezuela
- Idelsa CN, 38, and Amelia CC, 21, from Peru
Authorities say the group was operating in Cuenca and across several cantons in Azuay, targeting both families and business owners.
During the operation, officers seized:
- An undisclosed amount of cash
- Seven cell phones
- Documents containing records of multiple victims
The investigation indicates the suspects demanded money in exchange for not harming victims or their families.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to review the evidence and determine the full scope of the group’s activities.