- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in a new window)
- Click to email a friend (Opens in a new window)
(CNN Spanish) - The Ecuadorian Prosecutor's Office reported Wednesday that former President Abdalá Bucaram was detained because a firearm was found in his possession without presenting a document justifying his possession.
The exmandatario's arrest occurred after the search of his home in Guayaquil, amid investigations for alleged embezzlement in the purchase of medical supplies for the Social Security Hospital.
Prosecutors and police found in the Bucaram house dozens of boxes with medical and biosafety supplies, photographed by the judicial institution itself and transported in vehicles of the Prosecutor's Office as possible "evidence".
In addition, the former assemblyman and son of the former president, Abdalá Bucaram Pulley, reported on his Twitter account that his home was also raided when no one was present. According to Bucaram's son, “a violation and abuse” has been committed that does not guarantee due process.
The State Attorney General, Diana Salazar indicated on Twitter that the Task Force deployed to fight corruption, "begins to give results" and that the work "will not stop."
CNN is trying to contact the former president's defense, but so far has received no response. A representative of the Bucaram family is expected to issue a statement on Wednesday.
The Ecuadorian Prosecutor's Office also reported on other operations carried out in Quito and Guayaquil, which resulted in arrests, as well as the search of homes and offices of suspected purchase officials with surcharges for medical supplies. One of the homes raided is that of the Guayas prefect, Carlos Luis Morales, also detained by the Police, hours after the prefect reported on his Twitter account that he filed a complaint to investigate several people, including 2 children of his wife, for alleged irregularities during the health emergency.
Upon entering the police station, Prefect Morales told local media: "I have already reported what I had to report and now I am here."
CNN is trying to contact his lawyer.
President Lenín Moreno affirmed that his government guarantees that the justice system operates independently and supported the work of the Prosecutor's Office that investigates several cases of possible corruption in the purchase of supplies in public hospitals in the country in the framework of the pandemic.
In #Guayaquil, # FiscalíaEc raided the home of former President Abdalá B., located in Kennedy Norte, within the investigations initiated by the alleged embezzlement in purchases of medical supplies at the Social Security Hospital. pic.twitter.com/aOOL352wb3
- Ecuador Prosecutor's Office (@FiscaliaEcuador) June 3, 2020
After the search by # FiscalíaEc at his home in #Guayaquil, for alleged embezzlement in a contract for medical supplies to the Hospital del Seguro, former President Abdalá B. was arrested when a firearm was in his possession, without presenting proof of possession. pic.twitter.com/dECVosbTj6
- Ecuador Prosecutor's Office (@FiscaliaEcuador) June 3, 2020
From the beginning of our government, we guarantee that Justice operates independently. The work of @FiscaliaEcuador has our support. The only way to beat corruption is to fight it ALL together. https://t.co/VRZZkfItkb
- Lenín Moreno (@Lenin) June 3, 2020
