Claiming to be a shaman in Ecuador, a Peruvian national named Luzgardo M. used spiritual rituals as a cover to secretly exploit children. Investigators discovered that he was filming minors during these so-called ceremonies, actively producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) under the guise of spiritual practices.
In July of 2025, Luzgardo M. was sentenced to 34 years and six months in prison for the possession and production of CSAM, one of the harshest penalties for these crimes in Ecuador’s recent history.
The case began when the Ecuadorian National Police’s Anti-Trafficking Unit (UNAT), in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office (FGE), received an anonymous tip. The report alleged that Luzgardo was viewing CSAM on his mobile device in a public space. Our Rescue’s Mission team in Latin America responded rapidly to support the police operation, playing a critical role in ensuring the suspect’s swift apprehension.
Luzgardo was arrested in September of 2024, caught in the act viewing CSAM on his mobile phone and immediately taken into custody with the support of Our Rescue. Authorities seized multiple electronic devices during the operation.
After 10 months of investigation and legal proceedings, the guilty verdict was handed down, marking a major victory in the fight against child exploitation. We applaud authorities in Ecuador for their dedicated work. Together, we are making an impact in this fight.