The Prosecutor’s Office in Ecuador carried out raids and arrests of judges, former judges, judicial officials, practicing lawyers, and police officers in eight provinces on Wednesday. These actions were a result of an investigation into the release of dangerous criminals through legal tricks and abuse of law.
The operation targeted provinces such as El Oro, Azuay, Manabí, Pichincha, Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Guayas, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. The raids were conducted under suspicion of organized crime, illicit enrichment, and influence peddling in various sectors.
The Prosecutor’s Office stated that the aim of these actions was to eliminate corruption within the justice system. The institution has been committed to ensuring that impunity is not granted to those involved in illegal activities. Photos of police and public ministry agents conducting raids and arrests of suspects involved in irregular processes were distributed by the Prosecutor’s Office.
It is yet unknown how many people were arrested or which specific cases triggered this operation known as Plaga. However, investigations into corruption within the justice system have revealed significant links to drug trafficking with 52 people currently facing charges. Recent cases of corruption have been uncovered across various governments including those of former presidents Rafael Correa, Lenín Moreno and Guillermo Lasso.
President Daniel Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” following a series of violent incidents and labeled organized crime groups as “terrorists.” The country has been militarized due to fears that mafia groups would launch further attacks against the population. Noboa emphasized that Ecuador was at war against drug terrorism and that the government would not give up to these threats.
