What is known about the La Reina case and its relationship with Aquiles Alvarez

Ecuador's Fiscalía is investigating a suspected case of money laundering, known as "La Reina," focusing on the financial activities of Navila D. B. and her brothers, David Aaron D. B. and Farid Antuan D. B. The probe is examining financial operations that allegedly involve over $1.2 million and 18 trips abroad.

David Aaron D. B. and Farid Antuan D. B. have been formally charged in the case, while Navila D. B. was not located during operations in August 2026. The investigation was triggered by an unusual financial activity report from the Financial Analysis and Economic Unit (UAFE), which analyzed transactions from 2020 to March 2026 to determine the origin and flow of funds.

During this period, the financial system recorded the entry of $1,293,016.29 and $683,894.42 in inter-account movements. The information does not specify the destinations of the 18 international trips or their direct connection to the financial transactions under review.

A key element of the investigation involves comparing declared income with bank movements. For instance, in 2020, declared income was $2,878, while bank entries totaled $10,935. This discrepancy widened significantly in subsequent years, with declared income in 2023 at $40,488 and bank deposits reaching $440,781.

The case has also brought to light potential connections between Navila D. B. and Aquiles Alvarez, a municipal official in Guayaquil. Navila D. B. joined the Municipality of Guayaquil's Directorate of Special Events in May 2023. The Fiscalía alleges that Navila D. B. may have received funds from Alvarez through Ternape Petroleum S. A., though specific amounts and operations related to this alleged financial relationship have not been detailed.

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The case originated from a Report of Unusual and Unjustified Operations issued by the Financial Analysis and Economic Unit (UAFE).