Ecuador plans additional prisons to address organized crime

The Ecuadorian government intends to construct as many prisons as necessary to combat organized crime. Interior Minister John Rajberg confirmed this strategy during an interview in Guayaquil, a key Pacific port city currently affected by gang activity linked to international cartels. This policy is inspired by the penal model of El Salvador, specifically the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) established by President Nayib Bukele. In November, Ecuador opened its first high-security prison, which currently houses 600 inmates, primarily gang members. Minister Rajberg stated that the government is prepared to build more facilities to address the security challenges within the penal system. The initiative aims to stabilize the country's penal sector and reduce the influence of criminal groups operating across the nation.