Los Lobos (English: The Wolves) is an Ecuadorian criminal organization that specializes in drug trafficking and working as hitmen for international partners or allied groups.

Due to their weakened position, several gangs, including Los Lobos, broke away and formed a new alliance to combat them.

During the wave of violence, two headless bodies were found hanging from a bridge,[14] inmates took eight guards hostage,[15] nine car bombs were set off in the provinces of Esmeraldas and Guayas,[16] and five police officers were shot dead.

In a second video, other men purporting to be members of Los Lobos denied playing a role in the assassination and said that they were being framed.

An inmate imprisoned in the Latacunga jail who had sent messages to one of the gunmen and a woman who was accused by prosecutors of providing the assailants with logistical support were both allegedly members of the gang.