The Prosecutor's Office and the Police of Ecuador have carried out several searches in properties located in the north of Quito, the capital of the country, within a prior investigation that reaches three judges of the National Court of Justice, who allegedly accepted money to intervene in the processing of a cassation ruling.
The individuals named in this alleged crime of bribery are Milton V., Patricio S., and Iván L., who would have been part of the court that issued a resolution on a cassation appeal in which the payment of 59.3 million dollars (about 51.7 million euros) was ordered in favor of a company of Chinese origin, according to information released by the Ecuadorian Prosecutor's Office in a press release.
As a background to the case, there is the pre-trial testimony of "Michael Ismael H.," convicted in the Plaga case, a corruption scheme being investigated in the country for the alleged commission of the crime of organized crime in which judges, judicial secretaries, police agents, practicing lawyers, and other public servants would be implicated.
"Michael Ismael H." recounted that, during an event held in the city of Guayaquil, he had meetings with various people and became aware that the mentioned judges had intervened for the aforementioned ruling to be issued.
In the raids, agents have seized mobile phones, computers, and various documents, according to details provided by the Ecuadorian Prosecutor's Office, which has announced that it will continue with the necessary proceedings to clarify the facts, ensuring at all times respect for due process.