SUMMARY

Los Tiguerones was a prison gang in Ecuador with presence in the costal provinces of Manabí and Esmeraldas. The gang became known to the public in the end of 2019. In 2021 it was estimated that they consisted of about 900 prison members.

Los Tiguerones was led by William Jofre Alcívar Bautista alias commander Willy or ‘Negro Willy’ (Black Willy). The group engaged in illicit activities such as narco-trafficking.

Los Tiguerones used to be an ally to Los Choneros, to which they were dependent. In Esmeraldas, they confronted with the rival group Los Gánster Negros, a group which derived from Los Choneros main enemy ‘Los Lagartos’. The assassination of the leader of Los Choneros, Jorge Luis Zambrano, alias Rasquiña, in the end of December 2020, sparked in group fighting over leadership. Los Tiguerones, together with Los Chone Killers, Los Lobos and Los Pipos, turned against Los Choneros and formed structure called New Generation. The group also had connections with Mexican Jalisco Cartel New Generation.

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