Mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Álvarez, detained in investigation into alleged organised crime
The mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Álvarez, was apprehended along with ten other people as part of an investigation into alleged organised crime, money laundering and tax evasion.
Mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Álvarez, detained in investigation into alleged organised crime
Ecuadorian authorities apprehended the mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Álvarez, on Tuesday, along with ten other individuals, as part of an investigation into organised crime activities linked to money laundering and tax evasion. The office of the Attorney General of the State announced the measure, according to reporting by Diario El Mundo.
The investigation, dubbed "Goleada", led the Public Ministry to request arrest warrants "for purposes of charging" eleven people linked to the case. Among those arrested are the brothers Aquiles, Antonio and Xavier A.
The port city official was already under surveillance by means of an electronic ankle monitor due to another judicial proceeding called "Triple A", in which he is being investigated for alleged fuel smuggling.
The operation is part of actions undertaken by Ecuador's justice system against public figures allegedly involved in economic and organised crimes. The detention of the highest representative of the country's most populous municipality has generated significant political impact amid the context of institutional instability facing the nation.
For the moment, no further details have been provided regarding the amount of funds that may have been subject to laundering or the criminal structure suspected behind these acts. The detainees will have to appear before the courts so that charges against them can be formally filed.
Álvarez's apprehension adds to a series of judicial proceedings that have affected various officials and politicians in Ecuador, in a scenario where the fight against corruption and organised crime occupies a central place on the government's agenda.
Source: Google News EC — Guayaquil