Ecuador court postpones sentencing in organized crime case against ex-President Bucaram

A court in Ecuador has once again postponed the announcement of a sentence against former President Abdalá Bucaram, his son Jacobo, and two others accused of organized crime. The hearing, scheduled for Friday, was declared void due to the absence of a key lawyer and a translator for an Israeli national involved in the case.

The prosecution alleges that between March and August 2020, the defendants collaborated with a criminal structure that generated illicit profits from selling 21,000 COVID-19 testing kits and other medical supplies during the national health emergency. The case has faced significant delays, with the investigation beginning six years ago.

During the hearing, the prosecutor urged the court to take measures to prevent further postponements, highlighting the prolonged duration of the proceedings. The court responded by fining the absent lawyer and translator two minimum wages (approximately $964) and warned that they would be forcibly brought to court if they do not appear for the next session.

According to investigations, an Israeli national, who was later murdered in prison, and another individual allegedly managed the distribution of the test kits under the supervision of traffic agents. These supplies were reportedly moved to Bucaram's residence, where other medical items were also stored. Jacobo Bucaram is said to have paid $321,600 in cash for these goods, based on testimony from the deceased Israeli national.

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the cause has suffered "multiple dilations"