SUMMARY

The Latin Kings was an international street gang that has operated in Ecuador since the early 1990s. The group originated in Chicago in the 1950s, founded by Latino communities, and later expanded into Latin America. In Ecuador, the Latin Kings maintained a presence primarily in Quito and Durán, near Guayaquil, where their main factions established strongholds.

The gang was initially led by Manuel Zúñiga, alias “King Majestic”, who was killed in 2022. Leadership then passed to Carlos Manuel Macías Saverio, alias “King Diablo”. Latin Kings engaged in a range of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, kidnappings, robberies, extortion, and contract killings.

Latin Kings have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organized violence.