Earthquake Aid Scandal Lands Former Ecuador VP 13 More Years in Prison

Former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas has been handed an additional 13-year prison sentence for embezzling funds intended for rebuilding communities devastated by a deadly earthquake in 2016.

The ruling, delivered by a local court on Monday, adds to Glas’ already existing jail terms from two prior corruption convictions.

The former VP, who once stood as a top political figure in the administration of ex-President Rafael Correa, was previously scheduled for release in less than three years.

Now, he is expected to remain in prison until at least 2041.

Funds Diverted From Disaster Zones

At the center of the case are funds raised through emergency taxes imposed after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Manabí and Esmeraldas provinces, killing hundreds and displacing thousands.

Rather than using the funds for reconstruction, the court found that Glas and others diverted the money to unrelated projects, constituting a misuse of public resources.

The court described the crime as particularly serious, applying the maximum sentence allowed under the law.

Carlos Bernal, a former public official in charge of overseeing the reconstruction effort, received the same 13-year sentence.

Political Fallout and Legal Defense

Glas’ legal team has strongly denied the charges, claiming the case is a form of political persecution.

His lawyer argued there is no evidence that Glas personally profited from the funds or that the Ecuadorian treasury suffered direct harm.

“This is a targeted attack to silence a political figure,” his defense said, vowing to appeal the decision.

International Incident and Diplomatic Tensions

Glas was dramatically arrested last year following a raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito, where he had sought political asylum.

The incident triggered a diplomatic crisis, with Ecuador and Mexico severing relations over what Mexico called a breach of international norms.

The former vice president served from 2013 to 2017 and was long considered one of Correa’s closest allies.

His downfall, however, has become a symbol of Ecuador’s wider anti-corruption campaign that continues to shake the country’s political elite.

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