Ecuadorian prosecutors use news reports as evidence in Progen case

The Ecuadorian Prosecutor's Office has ordered a forensic computer analysis of ten journalistic reports to serve as digital evidence in the Progen case. This investigation involves litigation between the state-owned electricity corporation, Celec, and the company Progen regarding contracts for power generation equipment at the Quevedo Central.

The reports contain information related to legal proceedings in Florida, including chats and documents involving Progen CEO John Manning and his former representative in Ecuador, Karla Saud. Defense lawyers for José Luis Sampietro, a contract administrator, requested the inclusion of these reports, noting that some online content may no longer be available and requires preservation.

In related legal developments, Progen CEO John Manning testified under oath that the company “never delivered anything” regarding functional generators for the Quevedo and Salitral plants. Manning alleged that the subcontracting agreement with Astrobryxa, led by Karla Saud and José Walther Manrique Suárez, was fraudulent. The investigation is examining how over $100 million in advances were paid despite delays and doubts regarding the equipment.