On Wednesday, the Ecuadorian Prosecutor’s Office conducted a series of raids and arrests targeting judges, former judges, judicial officials, practicing lawyers, and police officers in eight provinces across the country. These individuals are being investigated for facilitating the release of dangerous criminals through legal maneuvers and abuse of power. The operations took place in El Oro, Azuay, Manabí, Pichincha, Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Guayas, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.
The Prosecutor’s Office stated that these actions were aimed at rooting out corruption within the justice system that has become a vicious cycle of illegal activities. They emphasized their commitment to combating this corruption and ensuring that there is no impunity for those involved in criminal activities. Images released by the institution showed police and ministry agents carrying out raids and arrests of individuals connected to irregular practices granting freedom in exchange for favors or money.
The exact number of people arrested nationwide remains undisclosed as well as specific cases leading to this operation known as Plaga have not been disclosed yet. However last year a case was revealed involving significant drug trafficking in various sectors of Ecuadorian society including justice, police politics and prosecutor’s office which was triggered by an examination of messages sent by a drug trafficker prior to his death in prison revealing extensive networks of corruption.
Furthermore over the past few years the Ecuadorian government has been investigating cases of corruption particularly during the administrations of former presidents Rafael Correa, Lenín Moreno and Guillermo Lasso. Several high-ranking officials have been imprisoned or have fled the country as a result of these investigations. In response to a series of violent incidents President Daniel Noboa declared an internal armed conflict and labeled certain organized crime groups as terrorists. The country has been on high alert since then with fears of further criminal attacks and heightened military presence to combat these threats. Noboa emphasized on confronting drug terrorism while maintaining security within Ecuador
