OVERVIEW

Los Lobos is a criminal organization based in Ecuador. It has thousands of members and is involved in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and illegal gold mining. Los Lobos’s activities are concentrated on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, in the country’s gold mining areas, and in the capital city, Quito. It has partnerships with Mexico-based US-designated foreign terrorist organization New Generation Jalisco Cartel and with European drug traffickers. It also maintains ties to Colombia-based Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents who remain involved in illicit activities after the FARC signed a peace agreement with the Colombian Government in 2016.

OPERATING AREAS
Ecuador

MEMBERS
Approximately 8,000

TACTICS AND TARGETS
Los Lobos is involved in various organized crimes, including drug trafficking and illegal mining. It has engaged in violence, including contract killings and prison riots. Los Lobos claimed responsibility for the murder of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio and has been involved in clashes with rival gangs such as Los Choneros.

TERRORIST GROUP DESIGNATION
On 5 September 2025, the US State Department designated Los Lobos a foreign terrorist organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity. In 2024, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned Los Lobos for drug trafficking.

KEY LEADERS

NOTABLE ATTACKS