The SNAI has warned that electronic monitoring devices cannot be removed by users, following the removal of such a device by Guayaquil's mayor, Aquiles Alvarez, amidst an investigation into illegal fuel sales.
The National Comprehensive Care Service for Adults Deprived of Liberty and Adolescent Offenders (SNAI) issued a statement clarifying that electronic monitoring devices, commonly known as electronic bracelets, are not to be removed, interfered with, or uninstalled by the individuals to whom they are assigned by competent authorities. This warning comes after reports that Guayaquil's mayor, Aquiles Alvarez, removed his device, which was part of alternative measures to pretrial detention in a case involving alleged illegal fuel commercialization.
The situation has intensified due to ongoing operations related to the Goleada case, wherein Alvarez's actions are being scrutinized amidst serious allegations of organized crime linked to money laundering and tax evasion. The prosecution stated that Alvarez was without the electronic device during his detention on February 10, 2026, raising further concerns about compliance with judicial orders and the integrity of the monitoring systems in place.
Alvarez's attorney has likely been involved in addressing the legal ramifications of this issue as it unfolds. The case highlights critical issues surrounding accountability and enforcement in the usage of electronic monitoring within the judicial system, especially in high-profile cases involving public officials. The implications of this event could affect public trust in the justice system and the mechanisms designed to ensure that individuals under investigation comply with legal stipulations.
