Aquiles Alvarez, the mayor of Guayaquil, was arrested during a joint operation by the Prosecutor's Office and National Police along with ten others, including two of his brothers.
Aquiles Alvarez, the mayor of Guayaquil, Ecuador, was arrested early on February 10, 2026, in an operation conducted by the Fiscalía and National Police. The operation involved allegations of organized crime related to money laundering and tax fraud, as part of the investigation referred to as 'case Goleada.' Alongside Alvarez, ten other individuals were detained, including his brothers Xavier and Antonio, the latter of whom is known to be the president of Barcelona Sporting Club (BSC).
While details surrounding the operation and the specific charges against Alvarez remain sparse, it is confirmed that the arrest is not connected to a previous case, known as 'Triple A,' where Alvarez had been accused of the illegal sale of fuels. This distinction is critical, as the legal proceedings regarding the Triple A case have seen numerous delays without a set date for trial. The situation reflects ongoing legal challenges faced by public officials in Ecuador amid broader concerns regarding corruption and governance in the country.
The implications of Alvarez's arrest could be significant for the political landscape in Guayaquil, where leadership stability is crucial for managing the city's affairs. The case will likely attract considerable attention, both locally and nationally, given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the serious allegations being investigated. Public reaction may vary as residents weigh concerns about government corruption against the need for accountability among their elected officials.
