SUMMARY

Los Lagartos were a prison gang operating in Ecuador since 2019. The group originated from two Guayaquil gangs, “Los Cubanos” and “Los Gorras”, which engaged in contract killings, extortion and theft. In 2019, they united to fight their main rival, Los Choneros. The murder of alias “El Cubano,” leader of Los Cubanos, contributed to the unification of the group under the leadership of alias “Gorras”, who died the following year due to COVID-19. They engaged in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, contract killings and extortion.

After a leadership crisis in 2023, Carlos Mantilla Ceballos, alias “Choclo” assumed control over the organization, which he initially led from the Litoral Penitentiary of Guayaquil and later from the prison La Roca, also in Guayaquil.

Los Largartos dominated areas in southern Guayaquil, with a stronghold in Guasmo Sur, where they fought against Mafia 18. They also maintained a presence in the province of Santa Elena where they frequently clashed with rival groups such as Los Choneros, Los Aguilas and Fatales. They also had alliances with Balkan networks and Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel for drug trafficking activities.

Los Largartos were known to take advantage of school absenteeism and the lack of social support systems to recruit minors into their ranks. In 2024, they were one of the twenty-two organizations declared as terrorists by the Government of Ecuador.

Los Lagartos has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organized violence.