Hernán Luque's extradition is halted by an appeal in Argentina

Hernán Luque Lecaro, former president of the Public Companies Coordinating Company (EMCO), remains in Argentina despite the extradition request submitted by Ecuador since February 2024. The Encuentro case, which links him to a high-level corruption network, remains incomplete while his appeal keeps the process stalled.

The Argentine justice system, which initially approved his extradition, has yet to issue a final ruling following his defense's intervention. This legal void has prevented Ecuador from advancing in his prosecution, leaving a key case for combating impunity in suspense.

The president of the National Court of Justice, José Suing, recalled that these types of processes depend on foreign authorities. Although Ecuador has met the legal requirements, the outcome is in the hands of the Supreme Court of Argentina, where it will be decided whether the extradition of the former official is ratified or denied.

The arrival of Diana Salazar as ambassador in Buenos Aires could give new momentum to Ecuadorian judicial diplomacy. As a former attorney general, her knowledge of the case and international treaties will be key to reinforcing the "reminders" sent by Ecuador, which aim to keep the pressure on the Argentine justice system alive.

The case of Luque Lecaro adds to other frozen processes, such as those of Leonardo Cortázar in Panama and Gabriel Massuh in Colombia. These delays in the extradition of those involved in corruption reinforce the perception that international justice, instead of acting swiftly, offers refuge to those who know how to manipulate it.

The stagnation of the Hernán Luque case highlights the structural challenges of the international judicial system. Corruption knows no borders, but justice does suffer them, and this represents a serious obstacle for countries seeking to regain citizen trust and close cycles of impunity.