Ecuador confirms arrest of Fito's wife and daughter in Colombia

Ecuador's Interior Minister John Reimberg announced on Sunday the capture in Colombia of Inda Peñarrieta and Michelle Macías Peñarrieta, identified as the wife and daughter of José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias Fito, leader of the Los Choneros gang. The arrest took place in Sabana de Torres, near Bucaramanga, in a joint operation involving Ecuador's National Police, the FBI, the National Intelligence Center, and Colombian police and armed forces.

Both women were considered high-value targets and had Interpol red notices issued against them. Reimberg stated they are required by Ecuadorian justice for organized crime, illicit association, and money laundering charges within the "Blanqueo Fito" case. Investigations allege Peñarrieta and an associate moved over $2 million through the financial system between 2016 and 2023.

“We searched for them, we found them, and we bring them back to pay for the damage they have done.”

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed the detention via Interpol red notice and pledged to send the detainees to Ecuador. President Daniel Noboa thanked his Colombian counterpart for the cooperation, stating the women will face justice in Ecuador and be held at La Roca maximum-security prison. Fito was extradited to the United States in July 2025 on drug trafficking and arms smuggling charges.