Ecuadorian authorities have arrested a gang leader known as "Lobo Menor" in connection with the 2023 murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, officials announced.

Villavicencio, an anti-corruption journalist and politician, was assassinated in August 2023 while leaving a campaign rally in Quito, just days before Ecuador's presidential election. The killing shocked the nation and highlighted the growing influence of organized crime in Ecuadorian politics.

Officials believe Lobo Menor, whose real name has not been released, played a role in orchestrating the assassination. The arrest represents a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Villavicencio's death.

Villavicencio had been a prominent critic of corruption and organized crime in Ecuador, frequently reporting on the activities of drug trafficking groups and their connections to political figures. His campaign focused heavily on anti-corruption measures and combating the rising violence linked to drug trafficking organizations.

Ecuador has experienced a surge in violence in recent years, largely attributed to competing drug trafficking groups fighting for control of cocaine routes to North America and Europe. The country's murder rate has increased dramatically, making it one of the most violent nations in Latin America.