Ecuadorian Fugitive 'El Gerente' Apprehended in UAE
Roberto Carlos Alvarez Vera, an Ecuadorian national widely known as 'El Gerente' and a high-profile figure on Interpol's Red Notice list, has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates and subsequently extradited to Ecuador. The apprehension follows a formal request from Ecuadorian authorities, marking a significant success in international efforts against transnational organized crime.
Alvarez Vera is accused of being a senior leader of the 'Border Commandos' (Comandos de la Frontera), a dissident faction of Colombia's now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC). Ecuadorian officials hold him responsible for a deadly ambush in May 2025 in the Amazonian province of Orellana, which resulted in the deaths of 11 Ecuadorian soldiers. Beyond this grave accusation, he faces pending charges related to money laundering, organized crime, drug trafficking, and arms trafficking.
International Cooperation Leads to Extradition
The arrest and swift extradition underscore the deepening commitment of both the UAE and Ecuador to upholding the rule of law and strengthening international cooperation in combating criminal networks. Ecuador's Interior Minister, John Reimberg, and President Daniel Noboa, confirmed Alvarez Vera's transfer to Ecuador on December 29, 2025. President Noboa stated that 'El Gerente' is now en route to the country's maximum-security prison, 'El Encuentro,' to face justice.
This successful operation follows a previous detention of Alvarez Vera in the UAE in June 2025, from which he was released on bail. The renewed effort and subsequent extradition highlight a resolute stance by both nations to ensure that individuals wanted for serious crimes are brought to justice.
Commitment to Combating Transnational Crime
In a joint statement, the governments of the UAE and Ecuador affirmed that this outcome 'underscores the firm commitment of both countries to upholding the rule of law and strengthening international cooperation in combating transnational crime, including narcotics networks.' Both nations also emphasized the importance of maintaining effective communication between their central authorities to enhance judicial cooperation and reinforce bilateral relations.
The UAE has recently demonstrated a proactive role in global efforts against cross-border criminal activity, with several high-profile arrests and extraditions to various countries, including Belgium, France, the Netherlands, China, and Ireland.
5 Comments
Mariposa
Bringing such a high-ranking figure to justice is undeniably important for the victims and for demonstrating state capacity. Nevertheless, the vast scale of organized crime in the region means this is just one battle in a much larger, ongoing war.
Bella Ciao
It's certainly a positive development that 'El Gerente' will face justice, especially for the soldiers' deaths. However, the article highlights his previous release on bail, which raises concerns about consistency in judicial processes.
Comandante
Good riddance! One less criminal on the streets.
Coccinella
A huge win against organized crime. Well done, UAE and Ecuador!
Muchacho
Don't celebrate too soon. History shows these guys often find a way out.