Blackwater founder to help Ecuador 'do what it takes' on gangs, minister says


Ecuador's Interior Minister John Reimberg speaks during an interview with Reuters in Quito, Ecuador, March 13, 2025. REUTERS/Cristina Vega

QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's security forces will "very soon" receive advice from Erik Prince, the private security executive, on fighting criminal gangs that are attempting to increase violence ahead of an April presidential runoff vote, Interior Minister John Reimberg said.

President Daniel Noboa, who is locked in a tight contest with his leftist rival, said this week the South American country would work with Prince, who founded Blackwater before renaming the private military company and selling it in 2010 after several employees were indicted on charges of unlawfully killing Iraqi civilians. The men were convicted but later pardoned by President Donald Trump.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Former Taipei mayor sentenced to 17 years in corruption case
Address root causes of Middle East conflict, Malaysia says at UNHCR meet
Area near one of Russia's biggest oil refineries damaged by Ukrainian drones, official says
Bus falls into river while boarding ferry in Bangladesh, leaving 24 dead
Analysis-Maduro case to test US narcoterrorism law with limited trial success
Panel wants prosecution of ousted Nepal PM over violence in Gen Z protests
Indonesia military officer steps down following acid attack on activist
Tehran rejects US claims of ‘ongoing, productive’ negotiations
Russian attacks kill two in Ukraine's Kharkiv, damage infrastructure on the Danube
Democrats, Republicans trade blame as major U.S. airports continue to see hours-long security lines

Others Also Read