A post-mortem examination has determined that Polish anti-corruption activist Monika Silva Koniuszek died from a blow to the head and strangulation, contradicting the Ecuadorian government's initial suggestion of suicide. Campaigners assert she was murdered to silence her investigations into the family business of President Daniel Noboa.
Details of the Death
Silva Koniuszek, 41, was found dead in her home in Montañita, a coastal town in Santa Elena province, on 8 June. She was discovered on the floor with a noose around her neck. The day after her death, before autopsy results were released, Ecuador's Interior Minister John Reimberg told local media that the initial hypothesis was suicide, stating that necessary evidence was found at the scene.
However, on Friday, a post-mortem in Guayaquil concluded that the cause of death was a blow to the head and strangulation. Attorney Lita Martínez, director of the Ecuadorian Centre for the Promotion and Action of Women, said: "Based on the forensic reports, we are certain that this was a violent death; therefore, the alleged suggestion that it was a suicide falls apart."
Activism and Threats
Silva Koniuszek had spent the last decade denouncing environmental crimes and corruption on social media and collaborating with local journalists. Her social media profiles stated: "You don’t need to be born in Ecuador to love it and defend what is right."
Beth Pitts, a British author and fellow activist who lived nearby, described her as "the bravest person I have ever met." Pitts added: "She was often a lone voice, publicly and vociferously denouncing corruption and environmental crimes when everyone else was too afraid to speak out. Beyond her activism, she was a dedicated single mother and a wonderful friend. Even when she was receiving death threats, she would still take the time to ask how I was doing and offer her support."
Investigation into Noboa Trading
Colleagues say Silva Koniuszek had begun investigating Noboa Trading, the fruit conglomerate owned by President Noboa's family. She was reportedly pursuing allegations that several tonnes of cocaine had been seized in Noboa Trading banana containers, but high-ranking Ecuadorian judicial officials were stalling the investigations. Shortly before her death, she told friends she had delivered a dossier of allegations to the US embassy in Quito.
She had also investigated allegations that politically connected figures in Santa Elena province were implicated in a massive land-trafficking ring. Friends say she faced judicial harassment and explicit death threats, allegedly linked to the same crime networks that assassinated local journalist Robinson del Pezo in November 2025.
International Response
Silva Koniuszek's death made headlines in her native Poland, with scepticism over early reports suggesting suicide. Her friend Joanna Cuper told Polish broadcaster TVP Info that the activist had claimed she was "followed and observed." Cuper said: "None of us believe she killed herself. She said that the cartels had put a price on her head. Three years ago, her then husband took the children to Brazil because she was receiving threats that she and her children would be murdered."
The Polish prosecutor's office confirmed last week that it had requested mutual legal assistance from Ecuadorian authorities probing her death and suggested it would want to be closely involved in the investigation. The Polish embassy in neighbouring Peru said it hoped "the competent authorities will conduct a swift, thorough, independent and transparent investigation" to "clarify the circumstances of the case and ensure accountability." It added: "The embassy of the Republic of Poland emphasises the importance of protecting human rights defenders, journalists, social activists and all individuals engaging in civic life."
Community Tribute
The community in Montañita created a shrine to Silva Koniuszek with photos and flowers, keeping candles burning for several days. Local street artists painted a mural, and neighbours renamed a street after her.
