Former presidential candidate Luisa González detained in Ecuador for money laundering

Luisa González, former presidential candidate in Ecuador, was arrested for alleged money laundering related to her 2023 campaign. Her detention occurred just over five weeks before local elections. González is implicated in the 'Labirinto' case, which investigates her campaign's financial management, including claims of irregular funding from Venezuela. This follows her involvement in another case, 'Caja Chica', concerning organized crime. The local press reports that the Attorney General's Office is examining potential links to Guayaquil's mayor, Aquiles Alvarez. González awaits a judicial hearing to determine her legal status, while she claims political persecution under President Noboa's regime.