Corruption Scandals Expose Depth of Organized Crime Infiltration in Ecuador’s Justice System

Ecuador is facing a severe crisis as corruption scandals have revealed the extent to which organized crime has infiltrated its highest levels of government, including the justice system. The most recent scandal involves the arrest of 14 judges, lawyers, and security officials suspected of accepting bribes in exchange for special favors for inmates or the release of sentenced prisoners.

The Investigation: Caso Metastasis

This is not an isolated incident, as a series of investigations have exposed a large criminal network once headed by Leandro Norero, a top financial ally of three gangs. The investigation dubbed “Caso Metastasis” has led to 52 arrests and has evidence of ongoing conversations between judiciary officials, legislative bodies, and security forces who helped the gang leader with special favors.

The Infiltration of Organized Crime

The infiltration of organized crime into Ecuador’s justice system is a long-standing issue, according to Renato Rivera, director of the Ecuadorian Observatory of Organized Crime (OECO). He notes that money laundering in the country is rarely investigated, and even less so if committed by private companies. Manipulated trials are also common, with 85% of court cases involving organized crime receiving abbreviated proceedings.

The Consequences of Inaction

Experts warn that militarizing the streets will not be enough to combat organized crime, as it is essential to strengthen other institutions, like the justice system, to generate more efficient results in the long term. However, Ecuador’s judiciary has historically been inefficient, and judges are often awarded positions without proper qualifications, making them easy to co-opt for political interests.

The Threats Against Judicial Workers

The lack of security and state protection for judicial workers is a major driver of corruption. In 2023, four assassinations and 28 attacks were recorded against lawyers, judges, and other judicial operators. Judge Heidy Borja, former president of the Ecuadorian Association of Magistrates and Judges in Guayas Province, received a threat in 2022 when an armed group demanded she work for them and rule in their favor.

The United Nations’ Concerns

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers has expressed concern over the vulnerability of justice officials in Ecuador, which threatens the rule of law. The situation is further complicated by declarations from Ecuador’s president that have put judiciary workers at higher risk. Experts warn that if Ecuador wants to combat corruption and reduce violence in the justice system, it must first protect its institutions.

The Low Trust in the Judiciary

As the crisis deepens, Ecuadorians’ opinion of the judiciary remains historically low, with less than 12% of the population trusting its justice system. This sets the stage for authoritarian leaders to justify abandoning democratic institutions and processes. The lack of security and state protection for judicial workers is a major driver of corruption, and experts warn that it must be addressed urgently to ensure the rule of law in Ecuador.