Mayor of Vinces arrested over money laundering: 15 detained and 21 search warrants
The mayor of Vinces, Alfonso Montalván Cerezo, was arrested on suspicion of money laundering involving transfers of USD 3.22 million. The Public Prosecutor's Office executed 21 search warrants across three provinces.
Mayor of Vinces arrested in operation over alleged money laundering
The mayor of Vinces, Alfonso Montalván Cerezo, was detained on Wednesday 28 October during an operation by the Public Prosecutor's Office on suspicion of money laundering, according to eloriente.com. The operation included 21 search warrants in the provinces of Los Ríos, Azuay and Guayas, and resulted in the detention of 15 people in total.
The Ministry of the Interior indicated that the investigation points to an alleged criminal structure that used the company Constructora Aldrensa S.A. to channel resources of suspected illicit origin. The company had previously been reported by the Financial and Economic Analysis Unit (UAFE).
The Interior Minister, John Reimberg, noted that Montalván would be the alleged head of the organisation, which also included members of his family and business circle. These claims form part of the investigation and must be determined by the competent judicial authorities.
According to official information, the structure under investigation would have recorded movements of approximately USD 3.22 million in the national financial system between 2019 and 2026. The authorities are also investigating the alleged acquisition of moveable and immoveable property that would have increased the assets of those involved.
The Ministry of the Interior also pointed to possible financial links with individuals investigated for drug trafficking, illicit arms trafficking and organised crime. Its report mentions investigations related to the cases Narcofiesta, Gran Fénix, Cantabria and Metástasis, as well as references to the criminal groups Los Choneros and Los Lobos.
Montalván's detention comes within the framework of a series of proceedings by the Public Prosecutor's Office linked to alleged offences in public institutions. One day before the operation in Vinces, the Public Ministry carried out search warrants at the premises of the Municipality of Cuenca in the context of an investigation into alleged embezzlement.
The presumption of innocence applies to all persons investigated until there is a judicial decision in this regard.
Source: Google News EC — Crime