The Council of the Judiciary (CJ) of Ecuador has officially removed a judge from the Judicial Unit of La Joya de los Sachas in Orellana province due to severe negligence in handling a criminal case. This decision was made during an extraordinary session on February 19, 2026, highlighting the CJ's commitment to accountability within the judiciary.

The judge in question, identified by the initials W. E. P. A., had been overseeing a case involving alias 'Topo', a prominent figure affiliated with the organized crime group Los Choneros, specifically the faction known as Los Fatales. Authorities have recognized 'Topo' as a significant player, serving as a lieutenant to Adolfo Macías, known as 'Fito'. The case illustrates broader issues of judicial inefficiency that can impede the prosecution of serious crimes.

The implications of this dismissal are substantial as it underscores the CJ's efforts to maintain integrity in judicial proceedings, particularly in high-profile organized crime cases. With alias 'Topo' categorized as a high-value target and recently recaptured in Amazonia, this incident points to the urgent need for effective judicial processes to address the operations of organized crime and enhance public trust in legal institutions.