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Fito captured: The shocking crimes and net worth of Ecuador's most wanted man, José Adolfo Macias
For months,
José Adolfo Macías
(also known as "
Fito
") had Ecuador on edge. The notorious
Los Choneros
gang boss escaped from prison, causing a wave of violence across the country. Now that he's been captured, President Daniel Noboa promises to "reclaim the country" from the grip of terror.
Why was Fito so feared in Ecuador?
Ecuador's most wanted man, José Adolfo "Fito" Macías, is the boss of the brutal Los Choneros gang. In 2011, the criminal gang leader was found guilty of drug trafficking, murder, and other offenses and given a 34-year prison sentence.
Following a nationwide manhunt, authorities have finally arrested him. President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador announced that the gang leader of Los Choneros, who had been on the run for almost 18 months, had been arrested.
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In January 2024, Jose Adolfo Macias broke out of Guayaquil prison, where he was serving a 34-year sentence for murder and drug trafficking.
Noboa declared an internal armed conflict and designated Los Choneros and 21 other criminal groups operating in Ecuador as terrorist organizations after his escape unleashed a wave of violence in the country.
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The infamous drug lord escaped prison in January, causing a state of emergency. Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency throughout Ecuador after the successful escape "triggered widespread riots, bombings, kidnappings, the assassination of a prominent prosecutor, and an armed attack on a TV network during a live broadcast," according to the US government, as per a report by Al Jazeera.
Los Choneros and Macias were sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury in February 2024 for their violent and drug-related activities in Ecuador and throughout the continent, as per a report by CNN.
According to officials quoted by the Associated Press news agency, Fito was arrested in his hometown of Manta, Ecuador.
A reward of $1 million (roughly €855,650) had been offered by Noboa's government for information that would result in the gang leader's apprehension.
'My recognition to our police and military who participated in this operation. More will fall, we will reclaim the country. No truce,' in a statement on X, Noboa declared.
Para los que se opusieron y dudaron de la necesidad de las leyes de Solidaridad e Inteligencia: gracias a esas leyes, Fito fue capturado hoy y está en manos del Bloque de Seguridad.
Mi reconocimiento a nuestros policías y militares que participaron en esta operación. Caerán más,…
— Daniel Noboa Azin (@DanielNoboaOk)
June 25, 2025
What's next for Ecuador after Fito's arrest?
Noboa stated that they are awaiting Washington's response to Quito's request for extradition to the United States, where the "Los Choneros" criminal gang was sanctioned last year.
Macias is scheduled to appear in a federal court in New York to face international gun and drug charges.
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In his native country, Macías has developed a cult following among his fellow gang members and the general public due to his lengthy criminal history, which includes accusations of murder and organized crime.
In 2023, while incarcerated, he released a video in which he addressed "the Ecuadorian people" while accompanied by armed men. In prison, he also hosted parties where he had access to roosters for cockfighting matches and alcohol.
FAQs
Who is Fito?
José Adolfo Macías, known as "Fito," is the leader of Los Choneros, one of Ecuador's most dangerous gangs.
What happens now?
Ecuador intends to extradite him to the United States, where he faces federal charges for drugs and weapons.
