Ecuador Arrests Over a Dozen Suspects in Judicial Corruption Scandal

In a dramatic turn of events, a judge in Ecuador has ordered the detention of over a dozen suspects, including high-ranking government officials, judges, and attorneys, as part of an investigation into allegations of financial sanctions evasion and corruption within the country’s judicial system.

Simultaneous Operations Across Ecuador

The arrests took place during simultaneous operations across Ecuador on Saturday, with 14 individuals being held in jail pending further investigation. Additionally, two elderly suspects were placed under house arrest, while a pregnant woman was banned from leaving the country.

Frozen Bank Accounts and Investigation Ongoing

The judge has also ordered that all of the suspects’ bank accounts be frozen, effectively cutting off their access to financial resources. The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors working to uncover more information about the alleged corruption network.

The “Plague” Case: Illegal Network Selling Judicial Favors

The latest developments are part of a larger case dubbed “Plague,” which prosecutors claim is an illegal network that sold favorable judicial rulings, prison releases, and other favors to members of organized crime groups in exchange for hefty sums. According to allegations, one judge accepted a $70,000 bribe to grant freedom to a collaborator of Fabricio Colón Pico, the leader of Los Lobos, a notorious drug trafficking organization that has been linked to Mexican cartels and was sanctioned by the US government earlier this year.

Corrupt Judges Accused

Prosecutors have accused other judges of engaging in similar corrupt practices, with payments ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 allegedly exchanged for favorable judicial decisions. The scandal comes at a time when Ecuador is grappling with a surge in violence attributed to organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking.

Government’s Commitment to Tackling Corruption and Restoring Stability

The latest arrests are seen as a significant blow to these criminal networks and a sign of the country’s commitment to tackling corruption and restoring stability. In January, the government declared that it was experiencing an internal armed conflict and designated 22 organizations, including Los Lobos, as terrorist entities and military objectives.

Overall, the arrests mark a major step forward in Ecuador’s efforts to combat corruption and bring those responsible for illegal activities to justice.