The Ecuadorian State awarded public contracts for more than USD 13.5 million to companies linked to organized crime. Of these, USD 6.5 million They were awarded while the beneficiaries were being investigated or prosecuted for serious crimes such as drug trafficking, terrorism and organized crime, as revealed by a recent journalistic investigation by Connectas, which was broadcast by several allied media in Ecuador.
According to the investigation, one of the cases involves the company Agusegpro Cia. Ltda.owned by former police officer Héctor Pesántez Sangurima, linked to the Albanian mafia. While the police continued its criminal activities, Agusegpro obtained contracts with several entities, including CELLthe country’s main public electricity company. In total, this company received USD 2.4 million in security contracts with entities such as the Guayas Sports Federation (Fedeguayas) and the Zonal Coordination 8 of the Ministry of Public Health.
Another case that the investigation details is that of Queenwater S.A.a company Inda Mariela Peñarrieta Tuárezthe narco-wife of the leader of Los ChonerosJosé Adolfo Macías, alias Fito. The company provided bottles of water to CELEC on 20 occasions, even when Peñarrieta was facing legal proceedings related to money laundering, tax evasion and illicit enrichment. The lack of coordination between entities such as the Financial and Economic Analysis Unit (UAFE)he National Public Procurement Service (Sercop) and the State Attorney General’s Office has allowed these companies to continue contracting with the State. According to Connectas, “in Ecuador, as in other countries, it is not illegal for people without an enforceable sentence to have public contracts,” which opens a dangerous door to money laundering.
Furthermore, the investigation highlighted that: “Even when police intelligence follows the steps of people linked to organized crime, their business in contracts paid with public funds may continue due to the disconnection between the control authorities.”
Since February 2024, a legal reform forces Sercop to coordinate its work with other control entities. However, the institution recognized that it has only 25 officials to oversee contracts throughout the country.
The investigation identified several narcocriminal organizations that have obtained contracts with the State. The most benefited, according to the research, were the Chone Killersled by Julio Martínez Alcívar, alias Negro Tuliowhich add up USD 4.2 million in contracts. They follow the murdered boss Leandro Norero Tigua, alias The PatternUSD child 3.1 millionand the Albanian mafia with USD 2.4 million. Furthermore, Connectas found 97 public contracts linked to 24 suppliers linked to organized crime. These include contracts with local governments, hospitals and public companies.
Municipalities are the main grantors of contracts to suspicious companies. Among the most striking examples is the Municipality of Durán, which signed a contract for USD 190 mil con Arkhe Projects and Constructions SAScompany owned by the wife of alias Negro Tulio. In Emeralds, Jalenacomp S.A.Colombian company According to Agenor Guerrero Bangueraobtained contracts for USD 802.000 even while Guerrero was wanted for drug trafficking.
Another case is that of Lagodixmark Construction Companychaired by Milton Julio Quintero Angulo, alias Yilomember of Los Fatales, who between 2010 and 2012 obtained contracts with municipalities and fire departments for USD 213.000 while facing charges of murder and drug trafficking. According to Connectas: “Public contracting entities do not monitor the origin of the bidders’ resources because it is not part of their powers.”
“The multiple outstanding debts in the control of public resources have allowed, in the worst security crisis in Ecuador, organized crime to strengthen its finances and penetrate the institutions while there is war in the streets,” concludes the Connectas report.
