Ecuador's Luisa Gonzalez Arrested in Campaign Finance Probeدنیا

<h2>The Laberinto investigation</h2> Investigators are examining the use of a network of legal entities to channel approximately $500,000 for campaign advertising between May and August 2023, according to the Attorney General&#8217;s Office. The office alleged that the money may have been transferred improperly, without disclosing the sources of the funds or the identities of the contributors.

The investigation, known as the Laberinto case, follows an earlier probe into alleged irregular campaign financing. Authorities have previously investigated claims that money brought from Venezuela was used to finance Gonzalez&#8217;s 2023 presidential bid. Gonzalez has denied any wrongdoing.

Gonzalez, a prominent left-wing politician and ally of former President Rafael Correa, was the runner-up to right-wing President Daniel Noboa in both the 2023 and 2025 presidential elections. In a post on the social media platform X, she described the accusations against her as &#8220;absurd&#8221; and called on her supporters to unite in pursuit of democracy.

&#8220;I will respond with the dignity of Ecuadorians who owe nothing and who are committed to achieving freedom for Ecuador and a better future for the country,&#8221; she wrote following her arrest.

<h2>Reactions pour in</h2> Gabriela Rivadeneira, the president of the Citizen Revolution Movement of which Gonzalez is a member, confirmed the arrest in a social media post and denounced it as politically motivated. She demanded Gonzalez&#8217;s immediate release.

Former President Correa, who served as president from 2007 to 2017, also rejected the allegations against Gonzalez. &#8220;Luisa Gonzalez has been arrested. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!&#8221; he wrote on X, calling the case persecution.

Gonzalez, a lawyer and former member of Ecuador&#8217;s National Assembly, fought a notably acrimonious presidential race against Noboa. The two candidates faced each other in a run-off race in April 2025, which Noboa won with more than 55 percent of the vote. Gonzalez rejected the results as fraudulent and demanded a recount.

In March, the Citizen Revolution Movement was suspended from participating in upcoming local elections, which are scheduled for November 29. Authorities have not yet announced when Gonzalez will appear before a court.