Ex-Judge in Guayas to Face Trial for Influence Peddling

A former judge in Ecuador's Guayas province, identified as Ángel Enrique T. V., has been ordered to stand trial for influence peddling. The Provincial Court of Justice in Guayas accepted the arguments presented by the State Attorney General's Office, leading to the indictment.

The court also ruled that the accused must remain in preventive detention while the legal process unfolds. The investigation into T. V.'s alleged misconduct began in February 2026 following a complaint filed by a judicial system official. According to the complaint, the then-judge reportedly attempted to sway a fellow magistrate's decision.

The alleged objective was to modify cautionary measures for two individuals who were being held in pre-trial detention for aggravated robbery and kidnapping. The seriousness of these accusations prompted the Prosecutor's Office to request T. V.'s arrest, which was executed on March 13, 2026, after searches of his home and workplace.

During the pre-trial phase, the provincial prosecutor presented over 30 pieces of evidence. These included site inspection reports, investigative findings, digital forensics, content analysis, the initial complaint, and a preliminary testimony from one of the complainants. The judge considered this evidence sufficient to order the trial. The case is being prosecuted under Article 285 of Ecuador's Comprehensive Organic Penal Code, which stipulates a prison sentence of three to five years for influence peddling.