Ecuador: VP Glas arrested Oct. 2 pending corruption trial

Event

Ecuador’s Vice President Jorge Glas was arrested on Monday, October 2, ahead of his trial for corruption in connection with the massive Odebrecht scandal that has implicated governments across Latin America. Glas has been accused of accepting bribes while serving under former President Rafael Correa. He was suspended from his duties in August by current President Lenín Moreno but has not yet been officially removed from office.

Associated protests are possible in the coming weeks, e.g. in the capital Quito.

Context

Investigations into Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction company, have uncovered a widespread network of government officials bribed to secure contracts, implicating high-ranking politicians across Latin America.

Advice

Individuals in Ecuador are advised to avoid protests as a precaution and to keep abreast of the situation.