Prosecution seeks pre-trial detention for Aquiles Alvarez in "Goleada" case

Guayaquil, Ecuador – Prosecutors have requested pre-trial detention for Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Alvarez, his siblings, and other defendants in the "Goleada" case, which involves allegations of money laundering.

The request came during a hearing on the revision of precautionary measures, which concluded Friday, July 3, 2026, without a resolution on asset seizures concerning the mayor and his family. Judge Jairo García suspended the proceedings and scheduled a new hearing for Monday, July 6, when he is expected to issue a decision on the prosecution's request.

The defense team for Alvarez and his relatives opposed the pre-trial detention, arguing that no new facts justify altering the current precautionary measures. They asserted that there is no flight risk and no evidence suggesting interference with the judicial process, noting that the defendants have complied with periodic reporting requirements.

During the hearing, prosecutor Dennis Villavicencio argued that the defendants obstructed the investigation by failing to provide required corporate information. The Financial Analysis and Economic Unit (UAFE) supported the call for pre-trial detention, deeming it necessary to ensure the proper progression of the criminal proceedings.

The case, which concluded its investigative phase on June 29, centers on alleged money laundering activities that prosecutors estimate have caused economic damages close to $100 million. The prosecution has also requested a date for the preparatory trial hearing, where the judge will determine whether to proceed to trial against the accused.

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there are no new facts that justify changing the precautionary measures and that there is no risk of flight or elements that evidence an impact on the judicial process.