Ecuadorian police face charges for alleged extortion in Sucumbíos

Four police officers from the Border Control Unit in Sucumbíos, Ecuador, are facing criminal proceedings for alleged extortion. The officers reportedly demanded money from passengers on an interprovincial bus traveling the Guayaquil-El Sacha route to avoid seizing commercial merchandise.

During a roadside inspection, officers identified a shipment of sandals intended for a new business venture. According to prosecutors, the officers threatened to retain the goods unless a payment was made. In response to the threat, a victim's mother transferred $200 to a bank account provided by one of the officers at the checkpoint.

Following the report, authorities conducted a raid on the Border Control Unit facilities. Part of the allegedly seized merchandise was discovered in the quarters of the involved officers. A judge has ordered a 30-day investigation and imposed precautionary measures, including a ban on leaving the country and requirements for periodic appearances in court for the accused officers.