The trial for money laundering against the former Ecuadorian comptroller during the Rafael Correa government began in Miami

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Former Ecuadorian Comptroller Faces Money Laundering Charges in US Court

Former Ecuadorian Comptroller, Carlos Pólit, found himself at the Southern District Court of Florida on Monday to face six charges related to money laundering, bribery, and conspiracy. Pólit, who rose to prominence during the presidency of Rafael Correa, arrived at the court accompanied by his defense team, including lawyer Fernando Tamayo.

The trial proceedings began with the selection of potential jurors, as is customary in the US legal system. Citizens were randomly summoned to assess their eligibility to serve on the jury for Pólit’s case. The voir dire process was conducted to ensure that impartial jurors were chosen to hear the evidence and deliberate on the verdict.

Pólit is accused of receiving bribes from multinational Odebrecht, Seguros Sucre, and a Spanish tuna company, totaling over USD 8 million. Evidence collected by investigators includes financial records, emails, and documents pointing to Pólit’s involvement in illegal activities. The prosecution plans to present 24 documents during the trial, detailing monetary transfers, bank accounts, and money laundering operations allegedly orchestrated by Pólit.

Furthermore, emails exchanged between Pólit and his son, John Pólit, suggest discussions about bribe payments and money laundering schemes. The prosecution also intends to call 19 witnesses, including representatives from the companies involved in the fraudulent activities and recordings of conversations between Pólit and key individuals like José Conceição Santos from Odebrecht.

Carlos Pólit’s trial in the US court marks a significant legal battle for the former comptroller, with the prosecution aiming to present a strong case supported by a wealth of evidence. As the proceedings continue, the outcome of the trial will be closely watched to see how justice unfolds in this high-profile case.