Ecuador Raids Key Figures Suspected of Cartel Ties... Rolex Watches and Bundles of Dollars Seized

"Confirmed Evidence of Deep-Rooted Corruption"

Following the assassination of a presidential candidate and the intrusion of assailants into a broadcasting station, the Ecuadorian prosecution announced that behind the rampant gang activity in Ecuador were judges and politicians.

On the 4th (local time), Prosecutor General Diana Salazar stated in a video message released through the official social media channels of the Ecuadorian prosecution, "Through investigations over the past few months, we have confirmed evidence of deep-rooted corruption within state institutions." She added, "Today, we conducted large-scale raids together with the police," naming this investigation the so-called 'purge case.'

Earlier that day, the investigative authorities made a sudden arrest of 13 current and former public officials, including the former president of the Guayas Provincial Court, judges, and politicians. Although the specific charges against them were not disclosed, the prosecution stated that the case is related to 'organized crime colluding with cartels.' This implies that some judges and politicians were protecting gang members with criminal charges. At some suspects' residences, firearms, Rolex watches and other jewelry, and bundles of US dollars were discovered.

Prosecutor General Salazar emphasized, "The prosecution has secured evidence demonstrating the necessity to cleanse our judicial system," and added, "There will be no failure to punish the suspects."

On January 9th (local time), armed assailants stormed the TC Television station in Guayaquil, Ecuador, threatening the staff.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Ecuador, once considered a relatively safe country in South America, has been struggling with increasing violence and crime in recent years. This appears to be due to Ecuador being used as a drug trafficking route to Europe and North America, leading to ongoing gang conflicts and a severe deterioration of public security. In particular, the situation worsened as several politicians, including presidential candidates last year and this year, were assassinated, and assailants even stormed a broadcasting station.

President Daniel Noboa (36) declared a national state of emergency in January and has implemented a strong anti-gang crackdown policy by deploying military forces, arresting over 7,000 members of about 20 criminal organizations to date.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.