In a shocking turn of events, the feared criminal gang known as Los Tiguerones has been identified as the key suspect in the kidnapping of British millionaire Colin Armstrong. This notorious gang is believed to have strong ties to a violent Mexican cartel that enforces cannibalistic practices on its recruits, including the consumption of human hearts.

The Los Tiguerones gang, recognized by their distinctive tattoos of beret-wearing tigers, has been under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in the abduction of Colin Armstrong, a 78-year-old businessman and former diplomat. Authorities suspect that Armstrong's refusal to pay a monthly protection fee to the gang prompted his kidnapping.

The incident occurred when Armstrong and his partner, Katherine Paola Santos, were forcibly taken from their villa by 15 armed men. Disturbing footage later emerged, showing Santos wearing an explosives vest that the kidnappers allegedly had forced her to wear. The vest was reportedly rigged to explode if a substantial ransom was not paid.

Fortunately, Armstrong was rescued by Ecuadorian police in the province of Manabi, not far from where he was initially taken. Nine suspects have been apprehended thus far, although their affiliation with Los Tiguerones has yet to be officially confirmed.

Los Tiguerones was originally a small support unit of Los Choneros, one of Ecuador's oldest organized crime groups. Over the past four years, the gang has expanded in size and influence, becoming a prominent player not only in Ecuador but also in Peru. It is known that Los Tiguerones has ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a notorious Mexican syndicate known for its extreme violence.

Recent reports have revealed that the CJNG gang has been forcing new members into engaging in cannibalism, even sharing videos of gang members consuming the hearts of their enemies. These gruesome acts serve as intimidation tactics against rival gangs and demonstrate the CJNG's dominance in the criminal underworld.

Los Tiguerones gained notoriety earlier this year as the leading extortion gang in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. The group was responsible for a significant portion of the extortion cases reported in Zone 8, which includes Guayaquil and the neighboring area of Samborondon.

The violent struggle for control over the profitable cocaine trafficking trade has turned Ecuador, once considered one of the safest countries in Latin America, into a battleground for criminal organizations. Los Tiguerones, identifiable by their tattoos depicting tigers wearing berets, uses these markings to establish their hierarchy within the gang and avoid potential conflict with rival factions.

The safe release of Colin Armstrong has brought a sense of relief to both his family and the British community in Ecuador. British Ambassador Chris Campbell expressed gratitude to the Ecuadorian police force and its commander, Cesar Zapata, for their efforts in securing Armstrong's freedom.

As investigations continue into this harrowing incident, the Armstrong family has requested privacy to recover from their traumatic experience. The case serves as a stark reminder of the escalating violence and criminal activities in Ecuador, necessitating increased measures to combat organized crime and ensure the safety of the public.