# Legal and health crisis of Abdalá Bucaram > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/legal-and-health-crisis-of-abdal-bucaram > Updated: 2026-09-07T23:52:24.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 3. Former Ecuadorian President Abdalá Bucaram is facing a serious health crisis involving cardiac complications, including heart failure and atrial fibrillation. His family reported that he required medical equipment and a cardiac device replacement, with his legal defense noting he needed 30 days of rest. Following the sixth failed attempt to hold a sentencing hearing, an Ecuadorian court has ordered Bucaram’s arrest. The proceedings, which date back to 2020, involve allegations of organized crime concerning the irregular commercialization of approximately 21,000 COVID-19 detection tests and other medical supplies during the pandemic. Bucaram is being prosecuted alongside his son, Jacobo Bucaram, and several other individuals, including Sheinman Oren and Leandro Berrones. Bucaram, 74, is currently in intensive care at the Clínica Borja in Guayaquil following recent cardiac surgery. Because of his condition, judges have instructed the National Police to maintain permanent surveillance at his hospital and to execute his arrest immediately upon his medical discharge. In response to the arrest order, Bucaram’s wife, María Rosa Pulley Vergara, filed a habeas corpus petition with the Guayas Provincial Court of Justice, arguing that his delicate cardiovascular condition makes any transfer or detention a risk to his life. However, the Guayas Provincial Court of Justice has unanimously rejected the petition. Judges ruled that the arrest warrant does not pose an imminent threat to Bucaram’s life, health, or personal integrity, clarifying that the measure is intended to ensure his appearance before the justice system rather than to interrupt his medical treatment. The defense continues to allege that the presence of police at the clinic constitutes a form of pressure. On September 7, 2026, an Ecuadorian court sentenced Abdalá Bucaram and his son, Jacobo Bucaram, to nine years and four months in prison. ## Claims - The case involves the illegal sale of medical supplies, including COVID-19 test kits, during the pandemic. (corroborated by 7 sources) - A court in Ecuador sentenced former President Abdala Bucaram and his son Jacobo to nine years and four months in prison. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Abdalá Bucaram requested medical discharge from a clinic despite facing risks of sudden death due to heart issues. (corroborated by 5 sources) - María Beatriz Martínez returned to Venezuela after two years in exile. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Martínez called for the reinstitutionalization of the State, including an autonomous Judiciary and National Electoral Council. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Bucarams were designated as collaborators in organized criminal activity. (corroborated by 3 sources) - An Israeli citizen, Sheinman Oren, received a sentence of two years and eight months. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Martínez reaffirmed her support for María Corina Machado. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Foro Penal reported that a court denied the release of Daniel Echenagucia after two years of detention without trial. (corroborated by 2 sources) - An ex-transit agent, Leandro Berrones, was sentenced to 13 years and four months in prison. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Ecuador sentences Abdalá Bucaram to prison in COVID-19 corruption case Ecuadorian courts sentenced former President Abdalá Bucaram and his son to over nine years in prison for their roles in a corruption scheme involving the illegal sale of COVID-19 medical supplies. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mara-beatriz-martnez-returns-to-venezuela-after-two-years-in-exile ### 2026-09-04: Abdalá Bucaram faces arrest order in Ecuador COVID-19 case Ecuadorian courts ordered the arrest of former president Abdalá Bucaram in a COVID-19 medical supply corruption case. Police will detain him upon his discharge from intensive care following a failed hearing. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-orders-arrest-of-former-president-abdal-bucaram ### 2026-08-26: Abdalá Bucaram hospitalized with serious cardiac complications Former Ecuadorian President Abdalá Bucaram is hospitalized with serious cardiac issues. His wife, María Rosa Pulley, shared medical photos and called for prayers and due process amid his health decline. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abdal-bucaram-hospitalized-with-serious-cardiac-complications --- Cite as: Legal and health crisis of Abdalá Bucaram. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/legal-and-health-crisis-of-abdal-bucaram