The Impact of Illicit Economies in the Context of Organized Crime in Ecuador

This article examines organized crime in Ecuador as the main threat to national security that generates negative effects in the political, economic and social spheres. Ecuador is the main logistic corridor of drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean coast and has witnessed the expansion of several criminal economies. The dollarized economy favors money laundering and corruption. The increase in illicit economies has expanded the power of criminal organizations, exacerbating violence and insecurity, making it essential to implement strict regulatory measures and foster interagency and international cooperation to successfully combat organized crime in Ecuador.