Preventive detention issued for Antonio Alvarez, president of Barcelona SC, and his brother Xavier in the Goleada case
Ecuadorian judge orders preventive detention for Barcelona SC president Antonio Alvarez and his brother Xavier following a corruption investigation linked to organized crime and money laundering.
A judge in Ecuador has ordered preventive detention for Antonio Alvarez, president of Barcelona SC, as part of a broader investigation into organized crime and money laundering under the case known as Goleada. This decision was announced on February 11, following the court's resumption of a hearing that had been interrupted earlier in the day. The judge's ruling also applies to several other implicated individuals, including the mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Alvarez, who is Antonio's brother.
The investigation has led to the detention of a total of eleven suspects, who were arrested during coordinated operations by the Prosecutor's Office and the National Police in Guayaquil and nearby SamborondΓ³n. Among the detainees, special considerations were made for one older suspect, allowing for house arrest instead of standard detention. The ramifications of this case extend beyond the sporting world, highlighting significant allegations of corruption that could involve high-profile figures in the Ecuadorian public and political spheres.
This unfolding situation has raised concerns about corruption in Ecuador and its intersection with sports governance, prompting widespread public interest and media coverage. As the legal proceedings develop, the implications for the involved individuals, particularly in terms of their professional roles and reputations, will be a focal point for observers. The case underscores the ongoing struggles against corruption in the country, emphasizing the importance of judicial actions in addressing such issues.