Ecuadorian police officer charged with selling police transfers in Quito

An active-duty police officer in Quito, identified as Luis Felipe C. F., faces charges for allegedly selling police transfers. The Provincial Court for Corruption and Organized Crime has opened a 90-day investigation into the case.

The officer is accused of offering to traffic influence, reportedly requesting bank deposits from fellow officers in exchange for facilitating transfers to specific police departments. During a judicial hearing, the anti-corruption judge accepted the evidence presented by the Public Ministry and imposed precautionary measures on the accused.

These measures include a prohibition on leaving the country, a mandatory weekly appearance before the Prosecutor's Office, and the installation of an electronic monitoring device. Additionally, financial measures have been implemented, such as freezing bank accounts and prohibiting the disposal of movable and immovable assets.

The investigation was initiated on April 10 based on reports from the Police Conduct Investigation Section regarding an alleged irregular structure that recruited officers in the capital. During the confidential phase, investigators conducted field surveillance, direct observation, took statements, and legally intercepted communications to understand the methods used to contact officers and identify the accused.

Searches conducted on August 27 in Quito, including at a Community Police Unit in the Iñaquito circuit, resulted in the seizure of a laptop and a cell phone. These items have been placed under chain of custody for technological analysis. Evidence suggests that the funds were channeled directly into the accused's personal bank account. The legal framework applied is Article 286, first paragraph, of the Organic Integral Penal Code (COIP), which penalizes the offer to traffic influence with three to five years of imprisonment.