Correísmo seeks to halt investigation into alleged illegal hydrocarbon trafficking

The motion promoted by Revolución Ciudadana (RC) to file the report of the Triple A Case, which investigates alleged illegal fuel trafficking and links the mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Álvarez, did not achieve the necessary votes in the National Assembly's Sovereignty and Comprehensive Security Commission. With only four votes in favor, the strategy of correísmo and the Social Christian Party (PSC) failed, allowing the investigation to continue.

The attempt to close the case was led by assembly member Leonardo Berrezueta (RC), who argued that the investigation had exceeded the deadline without an extension, attempting to delegitimize the process. However, the commission's president, Inés Alarcón (ADN), clarified that Berrezueta's interpretation was incorrect and that the oversight was not subject to that time limit. The vote reflected the attempt of correísta socialism to block transparency: Alexandra Arce (RC), Otto Vera (PSC), and Alexandra Castillo (PSC) supported the motion, while the ruling party legislators voted against it and two assembly members abstained.

The Triple A Case originated in July 2024, when the Government of Daniel Noboa reported an irregular scheme in fuel commercialization to the Agency for Regulation and Control of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources.

The Prosecutor's Office raided service stations of the company COPEdesa, owned by Álvarez and his family, resulting in the prosecution of five people and five companies for alleged illegal hydrocarbon trafficking, causing severe economic losses to the State.

Now, the Public Ministry has requested to link ten more people, including Aquiles Álvarez, who insists that the process is a political persecution. However, the attempts of Revolución Ciudadana to divert attention and obstruct oversight evidence the same pattern of impunity that characterized their previous governments. With the refusal to file the report, the legislative Commission will proceed with the process, despite the resistance of correísmo.