The case, known as Triple A, investigates alleged violations of Article 264 of Ecuador’s Organic Comprehensive Penal Code (COIP), a regulation introduced on June 20, 2020, addressing illegal storage, transport, packaging, commercialization, or distribution of petroleum derivatives. Prosecutors are examining connections between six legal entities and multiple fuel distributors suspected of irregular sales of diesel and gasoline. Evidence assembled points to large-scale offenses involving an estimated economic loss of approximately $61.5 million USD, reflecting 22.7 million gallons of petroleum products.
The accused include both natural persons and legal entities, with offenses purportedly occurring prior to Alvarez’s current mayoral tenure, explaining why the trial proceeds without provincial parliamentary immunity. Alvarez, who was legally linked to these matters through his previous role with the family-owned fuel company Copedesa, publicly confirmed attendance at the trial and rejected accusations via social media, denouncing political motivations behind the prosecution. He highlighted the abrupt rescheduling and alleged judicial bias, linking it to broader attempts to prevent his political candidacy. Allegations were made regarding intimidation tactics against his defense team, referencing possible raids requested by prosecutors which have not been executed.
Legal representatives for defendants criticized the timing, citing procedural irregularities and political interference influencing judicial outcomes. The case’s progression signals intensified scrutiny within Ecuador’s fuel distribution sector, underscoring regulatory enforcement and the ongoing relevance of emerging penal provisions targeting illicit fuel trade.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
