Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Alvarez Faces Second Trial in Grillete Case

Aquiles Alvarez, the mayor of Guayaquil, began a four‑day second trial on 29 July 2026 over the so‑called “Grillete” case. Prosecutors allege that he deliberately failed to comply with an electronic monitoring order, a charge tied to earlier investigations known as the Triple A and Goleada cases.

The hearing is being held before the Tribunal de Garantías Penales in Durán, with judges Lariza Calderón Uria, Fabricio Viera Encalada and Carlos Walberto Churta Rodríguez presiding. Alvarez is participating via videoconference from the Encuentro prison in Santa Elena, where he remains incarcerated pending other proceedings. The prosecution presented surveillance videos, forensic reports and witness testimony, while the defence argues the monitoring device malfunctioned and that no intentional breach occurred. A ruling on potential criminal responsibility is expected after the evidence phase.

Despite the legal challenges, Alvarez continues to serve as mayor after a council vote rejected his removal.