SUMMARY

Los Saobox was a criminal gang in Ecuador, that emerged as a splinter group from Los Lobos in May 2024 due to internal disputes causing the groups to rival each other for control over illegal mining in the Camilo Ponce Enríquez region. Eventually, Los Saobox gained a foothold around Machala city and spread its influence across El Oro province.

Composed of an estimated 80–100 members, Los Saobox was led by alias “Saoco”, alias “Boxeador”, and Cristhian Zambrano Villagua, alias “Cristian Z”. The gang was involved in various illicit activities, including drug trafficking, kidnappings, extortion, arms trafficking, and illegal mining. It was known for its extreme brutality, with signed pamphlets often left at crime scenes where victims were dismembered and left in plastic or sacks.

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