Blindado case: Prosecutors charge six judges accused of favoring Esmeraldas mayor

Ecuador’s Blindado investigation has expanded to include six judges who prosecutors say may have favored Esmeraldas Mayor Vicko Villacís in a suspected money-laundering operation. Their inclusion brings the total number of defendants in the case to 18.

The investigation began in November 2025 after Ecuador’s Financial and Economic Analysis Unit issued a report on unusual and unjustified transactions. Prosecutors are examining a possible laundering structure involving Villacís, relatives, related companies and judges from the Esmeraldas Provincial Court.

Prosecutors estimate the possible laundering at about $9 million. The funds allegedly moved through accounts linked to the mayor, his family and associated companies. Some money may also have been used to buy assets or transferred to accounts abroad. Investigators are examining one cash withdrawal of $980,000, which prosecutors say may have involved armored vehicles.

The case initially involved eight defendants, including Villacís. Prosecutors announced that 10 more people would be linked to the proceedings, including seven individuals, six of them judges, and three legal entities. The judges include five provincial judges and a multijurisdictional judge from Atacames. The alleged underlying offenses include bribery and judicial misconduct.

The involvement of provincial judges changes which court will handle the case. Prosecutors said the judges’ legal status means the proceedings will move to Ecuador’s National Court of Justice.