El Tambo mayor detained in embezzlement probe over concert funds

El Tambo Mayor René Alonso Castillo Ortiz was detained during an operation on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, marking a new phase in a case now proceeding through the justice system. The investigation, initiated by a citizen complaint, centers on events that occurred during the canton's anniversary festivities.

The Prosecutor's Office investigation focuses on the contracting and organization of an international concert for El Tambo's 33rd anniversary. The process began following a citizen complaint regarding the administration of funds raised during the 2024 cantonization festivities. According to the Prosecutor's Office, 3,200 tickets were issued for the event. Furthermore, a report from the General Comptroller's Office predetermined an alleged economic loss of $49,545 for the El Tambo Municipal Decentralized Autonomous Government.

On August 4, 2026, the National Police and the Prosecutor's Office executed an operation named "Templo del Sol." During the proceedings, Mayor René Alonso Castillo Ortiz, council member and head of the Celebration Committee Edison Marcelo Espinoza, and event promoter Gabriel Gerardo O. were detained. Authorities also searched the El Tambo Municipality building and the mayor's residence, seizing electronic devices and documents related to the investigation, including tickets and a contract.

In the early hours of August 5, 2026, a judge ordered pre-trial detention for René Alonso Castillo Ortiz, Edison Marcelo Espinoza, and Gabriel Gerardo O., who are being prosecuted for alleged embezzlement. The decision followed the prosecutor's presentation of evidence during the charges formulation hearing. The judge also ordered a prohibition on the alienation of assets amounting to $16,515 for each of the three defendants. The charges formulation marks the beginning of the fiscal instruction phase, during which the Prosecutor's Office will continue gathering evidence.