Ecuador’s legal system is on trial: revelation of Operation Metastasis

In a landmark ruling, a judge in Ecuador has summoned 30 people to stand trial in a sweeping case focusing on organized crime and drug trafficking, involving several facets of the country’s legal system.

The defendants range from former heads of the judiciary supervisor to provincial officials, judges, prosecutors and even a former police general. This dramatic case originally involved 52 people, but some were granted leniency because of their cooperation with authorities.

President Daniel Noboa, who is eyeing re-election in 2025, has criticized leniency towards criminal gangs. This trial follows investigations into illegal activities linked to Leandro Norero, who was murdered in prison. The operation, called Metastasis, has exposed deeper corruption within the provincial court of Guayas.

(With input from agencies.)