In 2008, security forces in Ecuador seized $545,000 in bulk cash that was illegally being smuggled across its borders. In 2012, authorities seized $1.9 Million and €215,000.
During the time period of 2008 to 2012, a total of $10 Million in US dollars and 215,000 Euros ($5 Million) was seized. 90 percent of the cash was seized at airports, where 79 people were also arrested for cash smuggling.
During the 4 years, authorities in Ecuador opened 70 criminal cases that resulted in 6 convictions.
Source: James Bargent, “Ecuador Bulk Cash Smuggling Reflects New Laundering Trend,” Insight Crime, April 11, 2013.
One-quarter of all cocaine that is produced in Colombia and Peru is smuggled through Ecuador to reach the United States. The amount of cocaine that travels through Ecuador is estimated to be 200 tons.
Source: Chris Kraul, “Drug trafficking on the rise through Ecuador,” Los Angeles Times, June 26, 2011.
Due to the counterfeiting and pirating of movies and music in Ecuador, disc manufacturers have lost 95 percent of their market share in the country.
Source: Patrick Corcoran, “Ecuador Port Sees Piracy Boom,” InSight, June 21, 2011.
According to US Military Officials, a drug smuggling submarine built in the jungles of Colombia or Ecuador costs $3 to $4 Million to build. The submarine can then transport between $70 to $80 Million worth of drugs in a single voyage.
Source: Anna Mulrine, “Pentagon: Central America ‘deadliest’ non-war zone in the world,” Christian Science Monitor, April 11, 2011.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) identified 6 countries that engage in illegal fishing. Colombia, Ecuador, Italy, Panama, Portugal and Venezuela were all found to be committing unauthorized activities when it comes to fishing. Illegal fishing activities included fishing during closed sessions, using illegal driftnet, and fishing without proper authorization.
Source: Morgan Erikson-Davis, “Italy and Panama continue illegal fishing, says new report,” Mongabay.com, January 15, 2011.
