Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Ecuador Arrests Los Lobos Gang Leader 'Pipo' in Spain
Imagine two big groups in Ecuador that are causing a lot of trouble, like bullies on the playground.
One group is called Los Lobos, and their main leader, who used to pretend he was dead and was hiding in Europe, has been caught!
His name is 'Pipo', and the President of Ecuador is happy because they think catching him will help stop the bad things happening.
This leader was involved in stealing from the ground, moving illegal goods, and making people do bad things, causing many deaths.
Ecuador's president is trying to use the army more to stop these groups.
But some grown-ups worry that when you catch a big leader, the other troublemakers might fight even harder to take over.
Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa announced the arrest of 'Pipo', leader of the Los Lobos gang, in Malaga, Spain.
Wilmer Geovanny Chavarria Barre, known as 'Pipo', allegedly controlled illegal mining and drug routes with Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
He is accused of faking his death, hiding in Europe, and ordering at least 400 deaths in Ecuador.
The U.S. designated Los Lobos, along with rival Los Choneros, as a foreign terrorist organization in September.
President Noboa is pursuing a militarization strategy against gang violence, while analysts suggest such arrests can lead to more conflict.
- Who
- Wilmer Geovanny Chavarria Barre, also known as 'Pipo', leader of the Los Lobos drug trafficking gang.
- What
- Arrested by Ecuadorian and Spanish police.
- When
- Reported on Sunday.
- Where
- Malaga, Spain.
- Why
- Chavarria is accused of leading illegal mining operations, drug routes, and ordering murders, and has been a key figure in Ecuador's worsening gang violence.
Government's Approach
Analyst Concerns
Strategy Against Gang Violence
Government's Approach
President Noboa is pursuing a militarization strategy and seeking foreign military bases to crack down on organized crime.
Analyst Concerns
Analysts suggest the capture of ringleaders like 'Pipo' can spark increased violence as criminal groups fight for power.
- Gang Name
- Los Lobos
- Leader's Alias
- 'Pipo'
- Leader's Real Name
- Wilmer Geovanny Chavarria Barre
- Arrest Location
- Malaga, Spain
- Alleged Crimes
- Controlled illegal mining, drug routes with Jalisco New Generation Cartel, ordered murders, responsible for at least 400 deaths
- Gang Designation
- Foreign terrorist organization (by the U.S.)