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United States Investigation Targets Ecuadorian Politicians Jaime Estrada Bonilla and Jaime Estrada Medranda A U.S. federal investigation has brought charges against Jaime Estrada Bonilla, a former Ecuadorian congressman and mayor, and his son Jaime Estrada Medranda. The case alleges involvement in drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms. Background on the Estradas – Jaime Estrada Bonilla served as a member of the National Assembly and later as mayor of Manta. In 2007, he was filmed in a “pativideo” in which he appeared to pledge his congressional vote for the 2007 Constituent Assembly that supported President Rafael Correa. The video was part of a broader scandal involving several politicians at the time. Estrada Bonilla has also maintained an electoral alliance with the ruling party Alianza PAIS. – Jaime Estrada Medranda entered the National Assembly in 2025 through a coalition between Revolución Ciudadana and Sí Podemos. He resigned his seat to run for the prefecture of Manabí, but his candidacy was rejected. In response, former President Correa publicly urged voters to cast null votes in the upcoming sectional elections scheduled for November 29. Both men were detained together on November 2, 2023, as part of the U.S. investigation. Connections to Other Alleged Criminal Figures Estrada Medranda has been reported to have close ties with Luisa González, who is currently under investigation for alleged money laundering, and Aquiles Álvarez, who has been detained and sentenced in two separate cases. A fishing company linked to the Estradas was previously involved in a judicial proceeding concerning unjustified private enrichment against José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias “Fito,” a known leader of the criminal group Los Choneros. While the companies themselves were not found liable, the prosecutor’s office subsequently opened a broader investigation. Jacobo Bucaram, also known as “Patucho Celso,” a leader of Los Choneros, is cited as a connecting figure in the U.S. investigation, linking the Estradas to the criminal organization. Current Status The U.S. case remains pending, with authorities continuing to examine the alleged ties between the Estradas and organized crime. Ecuadorian officials have expressed a desire for the political system to be cleansed of criminal influence, while the investigation is expected to bring further clarity to the alleged connections. Article source: El Universo | Image credit: El Universo
United States Investigation Targets Ecuadorian Politicians Jaime Estrada Bonilla and Jaime Estrada Medranda A U.S. federal investigation has brought charges against Jaime Estrada Bonilla, a former Ecuadorian congressman and mayor, and his son Jaime Estrada Medranda. The case alleges involvement in drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms. Background on the Estradas – Jaime Estrada Bonilla served as a member of the National Assembly and later as mayor of Manta. In 2007, he was filmed in a “pativideo” in which he appeared to pledge his congressional vote for the 2007 Constituent Assembly that supported President Rafael Correa. The video was part of a broader scandal involving several politicians at the time. Estrada Bonilla has also maintained an electoral alliance with the ruling party Alianza PAIS. – Jaime Estrada Medranda entered the National Assembly in 2025 through a coalition between Revolución Ciudadana and Sí Podemos. He resigned his seat to run for the prefecture of Manabí, but his candidacy was rejected. In response, former President Correa publicly urged voters to cast null votes in the upcoming sectional elections scheduled for November 29. Both men were detained together on November 2, 2023, as part of the U.S. investigation. Connections to Other Alleged Criminal Figures Estrada Medranda has been reported to have close ties with Luisa González, who is currently under investigation for alleged money laundering, and Aquiles Álvarez, who has been detained and sentenced in two separate cases. A fishing company linked to the Estradas was previously involved in a judicial proceeding concerning unjustified private enrichment against José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias “Fito,” a known leader of the criminal group Los Choneros. While the companies themselves were not found liable, the prosecutor’s office subsequently opened a broader investigation. Jacobo Bucaram, also known as “Patucho Celso,” a leader of Los Choneros, is cited as a connecting figure in the U.S. investigation, linking the Estradas to the criminal organization. Current Status The U.S. case remains pending, with authorities continuing to examine the alleged ties between the Estradas and organized crime. Ecuadorian officials have expressed a desire for the political system to be cleansed of criminal influence, while the investigation is expected to bring further clarity to the alleged connections.
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