$5 Million Bounty: U.S. Hunts Ecuador's "Terrorist" Gang Boss

The United States has placed a multi-million dollar bounty on the leader of a powerful Ecuadorian gang. U.S. authorities are offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the capture of Francisco Bermúdez. Officials identify him as the leader of the Los Choneros criminal group. The reward follows a major U.S. government decision. This week, the State Department formally designated Los Choneros as a terrorist organization. The designation is based on the group's alleged involvement in international drug trafficking. The terrorist label allows U.S. agencies to use stronger legal and financial tools against the gang. The multi-million dollar reward signals a serious escalation in efforts to find its leader. Los Choneros is considered one of Ecuador's most dangerous criminal organizations. The group is accused of controlling key drug smuggling routes and fueling extreme violence inside the country.