WikiLeaks Reveals Corruption in the Ecuadorian Police

Jaime Aquilino Hurtado Vaca

The former Ecuadorian police commander, Jaime Aquilino Hurtado Vaca used his power for extortion according to WikiLeaks revelations. Sources of the United States Embassy informed that president Correa was aware of the actions from commander Hurtado, apparently the Ecuadorian leader chose him because he needed someone that could be easily manipulated.

The information obtained from the Embassy revealed that Hurtado had assisted human traffickers into smuggling criminals and terrorist to North America. The corruption described in the WikiLeaks document diminishes the foreign investments in Ecuador, because they are aware that security officials can be bribed. According to the Spanish newspaper El País, Hurtado accumulated money, facilities, and resources to aid in the human traffic, he also blocked investigations against his corrupt partners.

The document also reveals that the Department of State would revoke the visa of Hurtado’s wife and daughter. Hurtado began his corrupted career in the 90’s and was a police commander from April 2008 to June 2009. Heather Hodges, the North American Ambassador, informed through a signed report that the Ecuadorian police punish their population severely in order to get huge bribes.

The corruption is heavily concentrated in the judges and political members of power and influence. Meanwhile the WikiLeaks document reveals the timeline of Hurtado’s crimes and also how he extorted police officers in exchange of payment and protection. He also managed to fire disgruntled investigators to avoid any suspicions. (AV)