Overview
- Ecuadorian and U.S. officials signed the agreement on Wednesday, establishing a framework for information sharing, coordinated operations and joint investigations.
- Ecuador created a specialized National Police unit structured to work side by side with FBI personnel, with authorities saying activity starts immediately.
- Interior Minister John Reimberg said FBI agents will now be permanently based in the country to coordinate directly with the new unit.
- The U.S. Embassy said the office will strengthen efforts to identify, dismantle and prosecute those involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, weapons smuggling and terror financing.
- Officials placed the move in a broader regional push for U.S. security cooperation, noting Paraguay’s approval of a Status of Forces Agreement and recent coordination talks with Trinidad and Tobago at U.S. Southern Command.