OMM Newsroom
An Ecuadorian judge has ordered pretrial detention for opposition politician Luisa Gonzalez and two other people investigated over alleged money laundering linked to campaign financing, the Attorney General’s Office said Friday, according to Anadolu Agency.
The order is part of the Laberinto case, which examines alleged irregularities in the financing of the Citizens’ Revolution movement’s 2023 presidential campaign. Primicias reported that Gonzalez was detained during an operation in Manabi province on Oct. 22.
Investigators are examining suspected use of funds linked to illegal fuel trading to pay for campaign advertising and other expenses. Prosecutors are also looking into the origin and justification of campaign contributions, as well as payments that may not have been properly reported to electoral authorities.
The case also involves former lawmaker Santiago Diaz and others suspected of taking part in the alleged scheme, Primicias reported. The judge ordered pretrial detention for Gonzalez, Diaz and Onofre. Molina must report to authorities three times a week, remain in Ecuador and wear an electronic monitor.
Prosecutors allege that approximately $500,000 may have been transferred through a network of companies to finance campaign advertising between May and October 2023. The investigation is to continue through a 90-day period of formal instruction, according to the official statement.
Gonzalez represented the Citizens’ Revolution movement in the 2023 and 2025 presidential elections. She has rejected the allegations and described the case as political persecution.
The charges remain allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a final court judgment.
