Ecuador’s Top Fugitive ‘Fito’ Captured After Escape

Ecuador’s most notorious fugitive, Jose Adolfo Macias—better known as “Fito”—has been captured, President Daniel Noboa confirmed. Fito, leader of the feared Los Choneros gang, had escaped a high-security prison in Guayaquil in January 2024, triggering nationwide violence.

The 44-year-old had long controlled operations from behind bars, enjoying lavish prison privileges, including private amenities and female visitors. His escape forced Ecuador to declare an internal armed conflict and classify over 20 gangs as terrorist groups. Now facing extradition to the U.S., Fito is the last known founding member of Los Choneros still alive and remains a central figure in Ecuador’s criminal underworld.