Ecuadorian lobbyist Karla Saud released pending extradition to Ecuador

Karla Saud, an Ecuadorian‑American businesswoman and lobbyist linked to the Progen power‑contract scandal, was arrested at Madrid‑Barajas airport after Ecuador obtained a red notice from Interpol. She is accused of embezzlement in contracts worth more than $149 million awarded by the state electricity corporation Celec EP for emergency thermal plants in Quevedo and Salitral. The Spanish National Court (Audiencia Nacional) later granted her liberty on precautionary measures, noting her family ties in Spain, including two minor children with Spanish citizenship. Spanish authorities have not disclosed the specific restrictions imposed. Her extradition to Ecuador is now being pursued so she can face trial for the alleged peculado.