SUMMARY

Los Lobos was a prison gang in Ecuador with presence in several of the country’s prisons in the provinces of Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Santo Domingo, Guayas, Chimborazo, Azuay and El Oro. They were mostly active in the cities of Latacunga, Cuenca and Machala. The group was the second largest prison gang in Ecuador in 2021 with an estimation of 8000 prison members.

Los Lobos was led by Wilmer Chavarría, alias Pipo, whose son, alias Esteban allegedly, took over leadership. The group engaged in illicit activities, such as narco-trafficking.

Los Lobos used to be an ally to Los Choneros, to which they were dependent. 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 Lobos did not agree on the handing over of leadership to alias Fito, who was Rasquiña’s right hand. Los Lobos, together with Los Tiguerones, Los Chone Killers 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 Lobos has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organized violence.