Organized crime, illicit markets, and structural factors in Ecuador: theoretical approach and empirical evidence

Abstract

Organized crime represents one of the most complex criminal phenomena in the modern world, due to its adaptability, its transnational spread, and its interconnection with global illicit markets. In this context, the objective of this article was to analyze organized crime, illicit markets, and the structural factors associated with their expansion in Ecuador based on a review of the scientific literature and available empirical evidence. Methodologically, the research was conducted using a qualitative framework based on a literature review, which involved a documentary analysis of reports from international organizations, specialized academic literature, and empirical studies on organized crime, transnational routes, and illicit economies. The findings indicate that the proliferation of organized crime is predominantly linked to structural factors, including institutional corruption, the fragility of the rule of law, the geographical and logistical advantages of certain regions, and advances in technological infrastructure that improve the coordination of criminal networks. In conclusion, organized crime should be conceptualized as a structural phenomenon arising from the interaction between institutional vulnerabilities, territorial advantages, and technological innovations that expand the reach of illegal markets.