Erik Prince, founder of the private security firm BlackWater, traveled to Ecuador to support the police in their fight against criminal gangs.
The government of President Daniel Noboa reported that the former U.S. military officer arrived in the country a few days ago to meet with security forces and provide advice and training. His visit is part of a “strategic alliance” aimed at dismantling narcoterrorist groups responsible for the country’s ongoing crisis of violence and insecurity.
In a recent interview with the BBC, President Noboa stated that Ecuador is facing a “war against unconventional urban guerrillas,” a situation that requires a different approach. According to him, Prince’s experience could be key in addressing these kinds of threats.
In addition to his advisory role, Prince took part in a major security operation in the city of Guayaquil on Saturday, just hours after a body was found hanging from a bridge on the road to Daule.
The operation involved the deployment of around 500 local security officers and resulted in 66 arrests. Authorities also seized 15 firearms, 4 revolvers, 2 stolen vehicles, 13 radios, 13 nine-millimeter cartridges, 9 motorcycles, 4 cell phones, 2 bulletproof vests, vehicle registration plates, and a significant amount of substances still under analysis.
More than ten homes and four alleged rehabilitation clinics were also raided, as part of a broader government crackdown that is expected to intensify.
“We found people locked behind bars inside bedrooms—more than 40 individuals in just two rooms. The investigation showed they were being forced to extort people in nearby areas, and those who refused were locked up,” said Interior Minister John Reimberg Oviedo.
Following these developments and the cooperation with Prince, Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo declared that “a new historic chapter for Ecuador’s security has begun.” He also praised the American for “working hand in hand” with Ecuadorian officers and helping them put his knowledge into action.
“We’re building a path of security that does not make deals with the mafias,” he added.
Prince also welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed his commitment: “This fight against organized crime never stops. We’re in this together.”
“I hope Ecuador chooses law and order. We are here to help, to combat gangs, and to provide tools and tactics so the government can restore peace, prosperity, and the rule of law. We aim to deliver intelligence that will make the narcos run and truly fear getting caught,” he said.
Prince, a former U.S. military officer, founded BlackWater—now known as Academi—a company specializing in military training. His first contract with the U.S. government came in 2000 after Al Qaeda’s attack on the USS Cole in Yemen. The company later took part in operations during the Iraq War, where it faced multiple allegations of human rights violations.
In recent years, Prince has become an outspoken critic of left-wing governments, particularly the regime in Venezuela, which he has called a “narco-state engaged in mass drug production.” He has also criticized the political movement Revolución Ciudadana, led by opposition candidate Luisa González, whom he described as an “ally of Nicolás Maduro.”
