Ecuador Ministry of Education officials investigated for corruption

Authorities in Ecuador have launched an investigation into a corruption network within the Ministry of Education, Deporte y Cultura. Following a citizen alert received in April, the National Police and the Attorney General's Office executed a series of raids on October 13, 2026, targeting the Ministry's headquarters in Quito and two private residences.

The investigation, known as Operation MINEDEC, focuses on allegations of extortion and influence peddling. Officials are accused of demanding payments ranging from USD 1,000 to USD 10,000 in exchange for managing public positions, academic titles, and other institutional benefits.

Three employees from the maintenance, driving, and general services departments were detained. One maintenance worker is facing charges after authorities identified approximately USD 1 million in unjustified financial movements. A public servant, Roberto Cristóbal A., has been placed in preventive detention for allegedly offering to traffic influence within the educational sector.