The Prosecutor's Office initiates new investigations in the 'Metástasis' case following a court order

The Attorney General's Office has initiated new investigations following the notification of the verdict in the Metastasis case.

The judicial order mandates investigating the possible involvement of judges, prosecutors, journalists, and lawyers mentioned during the trial for organized crime.

The acting attorney general, Wilson Toainga, formalized the order on March 5, notifying national judges Mercedes Caicedo, Marco Rodríguez, and Pablo Loaiza.

The measure seeks to issue the pertinent memorandums for judicial draws to be conducted and the responsible units for the new investigations to be assigned.

The order is based on Article 626 of the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code (COIP), which establishes the obligation to investigate various offenses when indications arise during a judicial process. The judges ordered that certified copies of the ruling be sent to the Prosecutor's Office to facilitate the start of these new investigations.

The verdict emphasizes the need to investigate the possible commission of crimes such as money laundering, influence peddling, and corruption. Among those mentioned are businessman Eduardo Alejandro R. P., former police officer Armando Heriberto R. T., and former Guayas judge, Ronald Xavier G. C., alias "Momia," who may have participated in illicit activities related to the criminal structure led by Leandro Norero.

During the trial, it was determined that Xavier N. A., alias "Novi," was the leader of the organization and was sentenced to ten years in prison.

Another nineteen collaborators, including former judges, former prosecutors, and former officials, received sentences of up to nine years and four months. Additionally, the payment of four million dollars was ordered as economic reparation.

The court considered that the organization's crimes were not limited to drug trafficking and arms trafficking, but also included activities such as extortion, influence peddling, and illicit enrichment. It was highlighted that combating organized crime requires dismantling the illicit money networks that foster impunity.

Although several involved were sentenced, the court emphasized the need to continue investigating other actors who, although mentioned during the trial, have not been prosecuted.

These investigations aim to determine the existence of additional criminal responsibilities.

The Metastasis case exposes the complexity of criminal structures in Ecuador and highlights the need to strengthen judicial and investigative mechanisms. The Prosecutor's Office faces the challenge of fully clarifying the facts and ensuring that all those involved are held accountable before the law.

The progress of these investigations will be key to dismantling the networks of corruption and organized crime in the country.

The judicial decision reinforces the institutional commitment to confront impunity and ensure transparency in judicial processes.