Aquiles Alvarez, the mayor of Guayaquil, was arrested along with 10 others in a police operation related to ongoing investigations into organized crime and tax fraud.
In the early hours of Tuesday, February 10, the mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Alvarez, along with ten other individuals, were arrested by police and prosecutors as part of an ongoing investigation into organized crime and money laundering activities. This operation underscores the Ecuadorian authorities' commitment to tackling corruption and illicit financial practices associated with public officials.
The investigation has revealed various incriminating evidence during the police raids, including mobile phones, USB devices, computers, cash, and relevant documentation that could significantly impact the ongoing inquiry. These items suggest a substantial network dealing with financial improprieties, including tax fraud linked to municipal functions and possibly broader implications involving other entities in the region.
Aquiles Alvarez's legal representative, Ramiro García, stated that the mayor would be transferred for further legal proceedings. This incident raises serious questions regarding governance in Guayaquil and may lead to increased political instability as local authorities continue to advocate for transparency and accountability in public administration.
