Aquiles Alvarez, the mayor of Guayaquil, submitted a request for fifteen days of unpaid leave just before his arrest in connection with the Goleada case. His leave request was formalized in an official letter received by the Guayaquil municipality on Monday, February 9, shortly before Alvarez, alongside ten others, was apprehended on charges related to organized crime, specifically money laundering and tax fraud.

On the same day as his arrest, Alvarez was transported via military aircraft to Quito for judicial proceedings, amidst rising tensions surrounding his legal circumstances. Notably, during his apprehension, it was discovered that he was not wearing the electronic ankle monitor that had previously been mandated as part of another investigation known as the Triple A case, which involves irregularities in hydrocarbon commercialization.

This situation has led to increased scrutiny over Alvarez's role as mayor and the broader implications for governance in Guayaquil. The upcoming session on February 11 is expected to address the city's governance in light of these serious allegations, underscoring the challenges faced by local leaders in Ecuador.