# Corruption investigations in Ecuador > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/corruption-investigations-in-ecuador > Updated: 2026-10-23T20:41:43.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 5. Ecuadorian authorities have initiated multiple investigations into corruption and financial irregularities across different levels of government. In early October, the Autonomous Governments Commission of the National Assembly approved an oversight report targeting 95 local officials, including mayors and prefects, using a “traffic light” methodology to identify unjustified wealth increases. The report categorized 41 officials in the “red” category and 54 in the “orange” category, recommending investigations by the State Attorney General's Office and audits by the Comptroller General. By mid-October, law enforcement launched “Operation MINEDEC,” targeting a corruption network within the Ministry of Education, Deporte y Cultura. This operation investigated allegations of extortion and influence peddling, resulting in the detention of several employees. Concurrently, the Prosecutor's Office opened “Caso Vqnas” to investigate the Quito Municipality regarding alleged illegal political financing involving Mayor Pabel Muñoz and the Revolución Ciudadana (RC) party. Allegations suggest municipal employees were pressured to provide illegal contributions, referred to as “vaccines,” to fund political campaigns. On October 21, 2026, the investigation into Quito’s public works expanded with the “Asfalto de Oro” (Golden Asphalt) case. Quito City Councilor Michael Aulestia filed formal complaints alleging embezzlement and money laundering involving approximately USD 64 million in contracts managed by the Metropolitan Public Company for Mobility and Public Works (EPMMOP). These developments further link political figures, including Mayor Pabel Muñoz and former Revolución Ciudadana president Luisa González, to broader inquiries regarding irregular campaign financing and asset laundering. Additionally, “Operation White Code” was executed at the Ambato General Teaching Hospital to investigate a network accused of demanding illegal payments for health jobs and contracts. On October 23, authorities confirmed that prosecutors are investigating a network accused of soliciting bribes between USD 3,000 and USD 7,000 to illegally grant job positions, bypassing merit-based processes. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: Ecuador authorities investigate corruption in public administration and health sectors Ecuadorian officials are investigating widespread corruption, including bribery for hospital jobs in Ambato and alleged illegal campaign funding schemes within the Quito municipal government. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ambato-hospital-corruption-investigation-expands-in-ecuador ### 2026-10-21: Quito public works contracts under investigation for alleged $64 million fraud Authorities are investigating $64 million in suspicious public works contracts in Quito, involving allegations of embezzlement and money laundering through a network of shell companies. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quito-officials-face-allegations-of-65-million-contract-irregularities ### 2026-10-14: Quito Municipality faces investigation over alleged political funding scheme The Quito Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into alleged illegal political financing and extortion of municipal employees to fund campaigns linked to Mayor Pabel Muñoz. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quito-municipality-faces-investigation-over-alleged-political-funding-scheme ### 2026-10-13: Ecuador Ministry of Education officials investigated for corruption Ecuadorian authorities raided the Ministry of Education in Quito following allegations that officials accepted bribes up to USD 10,000 to secure public jobs and academic titles. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuadorian-ministry-of-education-raided-over-alleged-job-sales ### 2026-10-09: Ecuadorian commission investigates 95 local officials for wealth discrepancies Ecuador's National Assembly commission approved a report investigating 95 local officials for alleged unjustified wealth increases, recommending investigations by the Attorney General and financial intelligence 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuadorian-commission-investigates-95-local-officials-for-wealth-discrepancies --- Cite as: Corruption investigations in Ecuador. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/corruption-investigations-in-ecuador