Ecuadorian Justice Strikes at Drug-linked Money Laundering Network

An anti-corruption court in Ecuador has sentenced eight individuals to over 17 years in prison, and three companies were also sanctioned. The case involved a money laundering operation linked to the Albanian mafia, with assets amounting to $43.4 million laundered through drug networks.

An anti-corruption court in Ecuador handed down sentences exceeding 17 years to eight individuals on charges related to a money laundering scheme tied to the Albanian mafia, as reported by the prosecutor's office on Friday.

The individuals were implicated in a network responsible for routing drugs from Ecuador to Europe. This operation utilized legally registered businesses to launder assets valued at $43.4 million.

The court also imposed sanctions on three companies involved, highlighting the intricate web of illegal activities that blended drug trafficking with corporate entities to mask financial routes.

(With inputs from agencies.)