Aquiles Álvarez, the mayor of Guayaquil, and his brother, who serves as the president of the Barcelona de Guayaquil football club, were arrested on October 10 due to allegations of money laundering. Alongside them, nine other individuals were also taken into custody as part of the operation. This event highlights a significant development in a country grappling with increasing violence and corruption, which has recently escalated.

Álvarez has been a vocal critic of President Daniel Noboa and is currently facing multiple legal challenges, including charges related to alleged fuel trafficking. His situation is made more complicated by the fact he has been required to wear an electronic monitoring device due to ongoing legal woes. The operation that led to his arrest indicates a broader crackdown on corruption and organized crime in Ecuador, a response from the state amidst a growing crisis of violence in the region.

The lawyer representing Álvarez has suggested that the arrest carries a politically charged backdrop, implying that the motivations may extend beyond mere legal infractions. Ramiro García, the lawyer, maintains Álvarez's innocence concerning the allegations. This incident not only reflects the complexities of local governance in Guayaquil but also serves as a reminder of the entwined nature of politics and crime in Ecuador's current socio-political landscape.