On March 2, 2026, an appeal hearing will be held concerning the preventive detention of Aquiles Alvarez, who is currently in custody at the Latacunga prison. Alvarez, the mayor of Guayaquil, is implicated in the ongoing 'Goleada' case, which involves allegations against eleven individuals accused of organized crime, specifically concerning money laundering and tax evasion. The complexity of the case is underscored by the involvement of what the prosecution describes as a 'complex corporate structure' tied to fuel commercialization.

The appeal will be presided over by a specialized tribunal focusing on corruption and organized crime cases, located in Pichincha. The judges—Silvana Velasco, Byron Uzcátegui, and Wiler Chóez Avilés—are tasked with reviewing the preventive detention following the accusations brought against Alvarez and others. This legal proceeding is expected to be oral, public, and adversarial, ensuring transparency in the judicial process as it unfolds.

This case has significant implications for local governance and public trust in the Guayaquil mayor's office. As allegations of serious financial and legal misconduct are presented, it raises questions about accountability and the integrity of elected officials in Ecuador. The outcome of the appeal could influence future legal matters connected to organized crime and corruption in the region, elucidating the broader impacts of justice in the face of malfeasance.