The Ecuadorian Judicial Council has dismissed judges Christian Quito Carpio and Gabriela Lara Tello due to serious disciplinary violations. These judges allegedly attempted to favor defendants linked to the organized crime group Comandos de la Frontera in the ongoing Fachada case. This decision was made on February 24, 2026, after the council determined that sufficient evidence existed to support these claims against the judges.

Judges Quito and Lara were found to have intervened in a manner that compromised their impartiality, contrary to Article 109, numeral 11, of the Organic Code of the Judicial Function, which addresses severe infractions such as soliciting or receiving loans or favors that could bias a judicial officer. This case highlights significant concerns regarding judicial integrity and the potential impact of corruption within Ecuador's legal system, especially as it pertains to organized crime.

The dismissal of these judges raises questions about the broader implications for anti-corruption efforts in Ecuador, where trust in the judiciary is crucial for upholding the rule of law. Effective measures against corruption not only depend on the integrity of judicial actors but also on public confidence in judicial processes. As this case unfolds, it will be vital to monitor how such issues are addressed moving forward in the fight against corruption in the region.