WORLD · 23 Oct 2026 · 08:34 GMT ·2 min read

Ecuadorian authorities arrested former presidential candidate Luísa González as part of the "Labirinto" money laundering investigation.

Ecuadorian authorities arrested former presidential candidate Luísa González on October 22, 2026, in Manabí.

NEUTRALITY 69 · MIXED· 2 sources

Gazeta do Povo

Ecuadorian authorities arrested former presidential candidate Luísa González on October 22, 2026, in Manabí. The Public Prosecutor's Office detained her as part of "Labirinto," an investigation into money laundering during her 2023 campaign. Agents from Quito conducted the operation in Canuto. This arrest follows legal challenges against González and the Citizen Revolution movement, which currently faces a nine-month suspension. Supporters claim the case is politically motivated, while prosecutors pursue the money laundering allegations.

Context

She lost presidential runoffs to Daniel Noboa in 2023 and 2025. Authorities searched her home in January 2026 to investigate alleged irregular campaign funding from Venezuela. The Electoral Contentious Tribunal (TCE) denied her registration for the Manabí mayoral race in September 2026. An arrest warrant followed on October 22, 2026, as part of the "Labirinto" investigation. Agents from Quito arrested her in the early hours of October 22, 2026, in Canuto, a rural area in Manabí province.

Supportive perspectives

Gabriela Rivadeneira leads the Citizen Revolution movement. She stated that the arrest stems from a case the Electoral Contentious Tribunal (TCE) already resolved. That case involved a fine exceeding US$6,000. Rivadeneira said the detention results from "a case already judged."
Former Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the political situation in Ecuador as a 'true dictatorship' following the arrest. His remarks reflect international debate about the state of democratic processes in Ecuador.
González sought the mayoralty of Manabí with backing from the Pachakutik party after her own party faced suspension. She pursued this candidacy despite active legal challenges.

Critical perspectives

The Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating three individuals for alleged money laundering, using initials that include 'LMGA', which matches González's name. This investigation forms the basis of the current legal scrutiny.
The Public Prosecutor's Office executed three arrest warrants in Manabí and Pichincha as part of an investigation called 'Labirinto' into campaign financing.
González faced accusations in the 'Caja Chica' case. Prosecutors alleged she used Venezuelan cash to fund her 2023 campaign. This earlier case precedes the current investigation into her campaign finances.
Authorities suspended the Citizen Revolution party for nine months in March 2026. The decision followed a tax investigation into alleged money laundering. González belongs to the suspended party, which denounces political persecution.