Public servants are investigated for illegal activities
In a surprise operation, conducted last Tuesday morning, agents of the Investigation Unit for Energy and Hydrocarbon Crimes (UIDH) raided the offices of the Agency for Regulation and Hydrocarbon Control (ARCH) in the province of Sucumbios, and arrested five people: three officials of the institution and two external persons who collaborated with the officials.
Three months ago UIDH agents were monitoring officials who allegedly were part of a network engaged in extortion, influence peddling, extortion, bribery and forgery, according to the department.
The capture operation occurred simultaneously at the offices of the ARCH in Lago Agrio, Shuhsufindi and Cascales.
The officials were working as ARCH inspectors and were responsible for the clearance processes of fuels and liquefied petroleum gas, according to the UIDH.
A Sucumbios judge issued constitutional arrest warrants. The fact was made public at a conference hosted by the provincial commander of Police and UIDH agents.