Ecuador Prosecutor Seeks Convictions in Major Fuel Trafficking Case

Ecuador's Attorney General's Office has concluded its investigation into the alleged illegal commercialization of fuel, seeking guilty verdicts for 15 individuals and six companies. The case, known as the Triple A case, has moved beyond the investigation phase and awaits a judicial decision. The prosecution presented its evidence and is calling for convictions related to the alleged illicit sale of fuels.

Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Álvarez is among the individuals being prosecuted. Following the conclusion of closing arguments on Sunday, August 2, 2026, the Tribunal has entered deliberation. The Attorney General's Office announced that the hearing will resume on Thursday, August 6, at 11:00 AM at the Judicial Complex North in Quito.

The investigation was launched on July 12, 2024, after a complaint from the former Agency for Regulation and Control of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources. The agency reported discrepancies between the fuel dispatched and the fuel invoiced by service stations and commercializing companies. The prosecution's theory is that subsidized fuels, particularly diesel, were illegally sold in segments different from those for which they were authorized. Some of this fuel allegedly ended up in industrial and maritime activities, where the state subsidy should not have applied.

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The investigation began after a complaint filed on July 12, 2024, by the then Agency for Regulation and Control of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources.

Investigators also detected irregularities, including purchases inconsistent with the storage capacity of some stations. In one instance, a station reportedly acquired over seven million gallons despite having storage space for only about 10,000 gallons. The charges also encompass findings such as records of diesel and extra gasoline sales for the same vehicle and operations linked to non-existent license plates. These irregularities are documented in official information released by the Attorney General's Office.

The alleged economic damage under investigation exceeds $61 million. According to the prosecution's calculations, the investigated operations involve approximately 22,777,191.80 gallons of diesel and gasoline. The estimated economic loss to the state is put at $61,502,658.39. The companies facing prosecution include Fuelcorp, Copedesa, Corpalubri, Ternape Petroleum, Indudiesel, and Harsajudi S.A. The Attorney General's Office asserts that their representatives, owners, and employees were aware of or participated in the investigated operations. Initially, 16 individuals and six legal entities were summoned for trial, but the proceedings were suspended for Fernando Viteri Henriques after he was declared a fugitive, allowing the trial to continue against the remaining 15 individuals and six companies.

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The Fiscalía holds that their representatives, owners, and workers knew about or participated in the investigated operations.