Ecuador Opposition Leader Detained in Money Laundering Probe

Ecuadorian opposition leader Luisa Gonzalez faces arrest over a money laundering probe linked to her 2023 presidential campaign. Local media confirmed Thursday that she was detained in Canuto, a rural area west of Quito. She remains an ally of former President Rafael Correa and lost the 2023 election against Daniel Noboa. The two candidates met again in April 2025 during a run-off. Noboa won with more than 55 percent of the vote. Gonzalez rejected those results as fraudulent and asked for a recount immediately.

Officials from Ecuador's Attorney General's Office issued statements about three arrest warrants executed against suspects linked to money laundering. Seven people face investigation over alleged inconsistencies in campaign funds raised during that election cycle. Investigators look at how roughly $500,000 moved through various entities to pay for advertising between May and August 2023. Authorities allege the transfers lacked proper disclosure of donor identities or fund sources. This case, known as Laberinto, follows earlier scrutiny into financing claims involving money brought from Venezuela. Gonzalez denies any wrongdoing on her part.

Gonzalez posted on social media platform X calling the charges absurd and comparing herself to a political prisoner. She urged supporters to unite for democracy against what she calls the Noboa dictatorship. "I will respond with the dignity of Ecuadorians who owe nothing," she wrote about facing arrest while committed to freedom and a better future for her country. Gabriela Rivadeneira, president of the Citizen Revolution Movement, joined the denunciation as political persecution. She demanded Gonzalez's immediate release from custody.

Former President Rafael Correa also rejected the allegations as persecution. "Luisa Gonzalez has been arrested. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!" he wrote on X. Noboa, a close ally of United States President Donald Trump, has tightened control over opposition groups since re-election last year. In March authorities suspended the Citizen Revolution Movement from running in upcoming local elections scheduled for November 29. The government accused Gonzalez's movement of conspiring with criminal groups to plot attacks against their leader.