These are the alleged financial irregularities being investigated for Machala Mayor Darío Macas

Ecuadorian authorities have arrested Darío Macas, the mayor of Machala, along with his wife and a close friend, on suspicion of illicit enrichment. The detentions followed an investigation into Macas's financial activities and business dealings, which have been ongoing for over a year, according to Interior Minister John Reimberg.

The Financial Analysis and Economic Unit (UAFE) uncovered suspicious financial movements totaling approximately $6 million. These funds were allegedly channeled through shell companies, including one where Macas reportedly holds 90% of the shares and which provides construction services to the municipality. The investigation also identified significant cash withdrawals and deposits, with checks totaling nearly $750,000 and deposits of $400,000 and $500,000 in various accounts.

UAFE's financial analysis indicated a potential criminal economic structure linked to Macas, who has served as mayor since 2019. Key findings included a 74% increase in the investigated individual's income since 2020, coinciding with the start of his mayoral term. A significant portion, 87%, of the deposits in his accounts were made in cash, and multiple transactions were followed by withdrawals on the same or the next day, suggesting an attempt to obscure the money trail. The analysis also pointed to the possible use of companies in the shrimp and construction sectors to funnel resources and identified transactional relationships with municipal contractors.

The UAFE has submitted a Report of Unusual and Unjustified Operations (ROII) to the State Attorney General's Office, detailing the alleged criminal economic structure. While the UAFE stated it would continue strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and financial intelligence efforts, details regarding the initiation of criminal proceedings or judicial decisions related to this case were not immediately available. The situation remains under development as investigations continue.

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The detention occurred after more than a year of investigations into the mayor's suspicious financial and business movements.