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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE]
4 clusters · 16 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated
Ecuador Mayor Aquiles Álvarez – Ongoing Trials
Entities: Aquiles Alvarez · Guayaquil · Tribunal de Garantías Penales · Nicole Bermúdez · SNAI
Overview
In mid‑July 2026 Ecuador’s National Court of Justice denied a habeas‑corpus appeal for Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Álvarez, keeping him in preventive detention at Encuentro Prison while three investigations remained open: the “Triple A” corruption probe, the “Goleada” case, and a dispute over his electronic‑monitoring device.
The “Triple A” trial opened at Quito’s Northern Judicial Complex, where a protected witness testified remotely about a scheme diverting subsidised fuel to the black market. The judge barred press, and Álvarez participated by teleconference after a transfer request was rejected. By 24 July the evidentiary phase concluded, with prosecutors charging 22 defendants – including Álvarez, relatives and companies such as Fuelcorp S.A. – for an alleged loss of USD 61.5 million. Álvarez gave a more‑than‑two‑hour teleconference testimony on 26 July, arguing the case lacked technical merit, was politically motivated, and that the “Triple A” label derived from his initials. He denied personal involvement in fuel trafficking and challenged forensic reports as inconclusive. The court was set to deliberate before issuing a first‑instance judgment.
On 29 July a separate four‑day “Grillete” trial began before the Tribunal de Garantías Penales in Durán, focusing on alleged non‑compliance with an electronic‑monitoring order tied to the earlier investigations. Álvarez again appeared via videoconference from Encuentro Prison. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage, forensic reports and witness testimony; the defence claimed the monitoring device malfunctioned and that no intentional breach occurred. A ruling on criminal responsibility is pending. Despite these proceedings, a council vote has so far rejected his removal as mayor.
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 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 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] Defendants’ lawyers presented new testimonies, documents and sought to introduce additional evidence during the trial. (new testimonies, documents, evidence)
- [○ 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 rejected the request for prosecutor Carlos Alarcón to testify as a witness. (court denied Alarcón testimony)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The request for Alarcón's testimony was made after whistleblower Nicole Bermúdez failed to appear. (request followed Bermúdez absence)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The trial entered its final evidentiary phase and is moving toward closing arguments. (final evidentiary phase, closing arguments)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The court ordered a midday recess before resuming the trial for final statements. (midday recess, schedule for final statements)
Timeline
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3 days ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesGuayaquil Mayor Aquiles Alvarez Faces Second Trial in Grillete CaseGuayaquil mayor Aquiles Alvarez started a second trial on 29 July 2026 for alleged non‑compliance with an electronic monitoring device, facing evidence from prosecutors while claiming a technical fault.
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5 days ago
[POLITICS] 8 sourcesGuayaquil Mayor Aquiles Álvarez Testifies in Triple A Corruption TrialGuayaquil Mayor Aquiles Álvarez testified remotely, denouncing political pressure and denying fuel‑trafficking claims in the Triple A case, saying the case name reflects his initials.
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7 days ago
[CRIME] 6 sourcesEcuador's Triple A fuel corruption trial moves toward closing argumentsEcuador's Triple A fuel‑subsidy diversion case, involving mayor Aquiles Alvarez, entered its final evidentiary phase as defenses offered new evidence; the court barred prosecutor Carlos Alarcón from testifying.
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11 days ago
[POLITICS] 5 sourcesEcuadorian Mayor Aquiles Alvarez Remains in Prison After Court Rejects Habeas Corpus AppealEcuador's top court denied Aquiles Alvarez's appeal, keeping the Guayaquil mayor in preventive detention as three criminal cases proceed.
Sources
capital.es · cntamaulipas.mx · contrapunto.com · diarioconurbano.com.ar · elcomercio.com · eluniverso.com · expreso.ec · extra.ec · guayaquil.gob.ec · lapatria.bo · larepublica.ec · larevista.com.ec · noticiasaldiayalahora.co · noticiasdeaqui.co · radiocolosal.com · tctelevision.com
This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history