Ecuador's Triple A fuel corruption trial moves toward closing arguments
The “Triple A” case is a criminal trial in Ecuador concerning an alleged network that illegally diverted subsidized diesel and gasoline, causing an estimated loss of about USD 61.5 million, equivalent to 22.7 million gallons.
The prosecution has charged 22 defendants – 16 individuals and six companies – including Guayaquil mayor Aquiles Alvarez, his relatives and firms such as Fuelcorp S.A. Defendants’ lawyers have presented new testimonies, documents and sought to introduce further evidence, while also challenging police reports and technical inspections in El Oro province.
The trial, now in its evidentiary‑final stage, has proceeded with defense presentations and a scheduled recess, moving toward closing arguments. The court also rejected a request for prosecutor Carlos Alarcón to testify, reasoning that a prosecutor cannot serve as a witness after the whistleblower Nicole Bermúdez failed to appear.
Entities: Aquiles Alvarez · Carlos Alarcón · Fuelcorp S.A. · Nicole Bermúdez · Tribunal de Garantías Penales
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Defense questioned police reports and alleged inconsistencies in technical inspections in El Oro province. (questioned police reports, inconsistencies in inspections, El Oro)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The court ordered a midday recess before resuming the trial for final statements. (midday recess, schedule for final statements)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The trial includes 22 defendants – 16 individuals and six companies – among them Guayaquil mayor Aquiles Alvarez and his relatives. (22 defendants, 16 individuals, 6 companies, Aquiles Alvarez)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The court rejected the request for prosecutor Carlos Alarcón to testify as a witness. (court denied Alarcón testimony)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Triple A case involves alleged illegal diversion of subsidized fuel causing state losses of about USD 61.5 million (22.7 million gallons). (estimated loss of USD 61.5 million and 22.7 million gallons)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The request for Alarcón's testimony was made after whistleblower Nicole Bermúdez failed to appear. (request followed Bermúdez absence)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Defendants’ lawyers presented new testimonies, documents and sought to introduce additional evidence during the trial. (new testimonies, documents, evidence)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The trial entered its final evidentiary phase and is moving toward closing arguments. (final evidentiary phase, closing arguments)