A major operation to capture one of Latin America’s most dangerous criminals has come to an end in Spain. Law enforcement officers in the province of Málaga have arrested Vilmer Chavarría Barre, known as Pipo, who for many years was considered beyond the reach of police. He is linked to the largest Ecuadorian gang Los Lobos, as well as a series of serious crimes, including organizing murders and international drug trafficking.
Pipo managed to deceive investigators by faking his own death back in 2021, when the world was gripped by the pandemic. After that, he changed his name to Danilo Fernandez and claimed to be a native of Maracaibo (Venezuela) to disappear in Europe. Despite his new identity, he continued to run his criminal network, ordering assassinations and controlling drug shipments from abroad.
In recent years, Chavarría not only ran the drug business, but was also heavily involved in illegal mining. His ties with the Mexican cartels Jalisco Nueva Generación and Sinaloa allowed him to expand trafficking routes and strengthen his position in the international market. In 2024, the US authorities imposed sanctions on him and his organization, recognizing Los Lobos as the largest drug cartel in Ecuador. American officials noted that such alliances fuel violence and destabilization in the region.
Criminal record and international manhunt
Pipo’s journey into the criminal underworld began back in 2004. Since then, he has racked up an impressive list of charges, ranging from armed robberies and the creation of a criminal organization to contract killings, terrorist acts, and orchestrating mass riots in prisons. He drew particular attention during the investigation into the August 2023 assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in Quito. Authorities believe that it was Los Lobos who were behind this high-profile crime.
Despite attempts to evade capture, Chavarría continued to coordinate the actions of his organization. He maintained contacts with associates in Latin America and set up new drug trafficking routes through Europe. In recent months, police in both countries had been monitoring him, which eventually led to his whereabouts being discovered and his subsequent arrest.
Police cooperation and the significance of the arrest
The operation to capture Pipo was made possible thanks to close collaboration between Spanish and Ecuadorian law enforcement. Their joint efforts resulted not only in the arrest of one of the most influential drug lords, but also delivered a significant blow to international criminal networks. Ecuadorian authorities have already stated that this success will serve as an example in the ongoing fight against transnational crime.
The arrest of Pipo Chavarría is seen as a significant step towards strengthening security in the region. Ecuadorian authorities emphasize that such operations demonstrate the effectiveness of international cooperation and underline the determination of states to confront organized crime. The extradition of the detainee is expected soon, along with the ongoing investigation of his activities in Europe and Latin America.
