Cuenca municipal offices, public companies raided by police as part of ’embezzlement’ investigation

The National Police carried out 14 raids on Cuenca municipal offices, public companies and private homes early Tuesday, seizing cell phones, computers and paper files. Prosecutors say the raids are part of a preliminary investigation into “possible cases of embezzlement.”

Cuenca Mayor Marisol Peñaloza talks to police Tuesday morning.

Among the locations raided were municipal offices, the Cuenca Airport Corporation, ETAPA and EMOV.

Although no arrests were made, prosecutors said it was investigating former mayor Cristian Zamora, Pablo A. V., civil works advisor from 2023 to 2026, Marlon T. Ch., an artistic events coordinator, and Christian C. B., municipal coordinator of Urban and Rural Planning in 2024.

Prosecutors said the investigation centers on public procurement “irregularities involving $11 million” and said they would release additional information as the investigation continues.

Cuenca Mayor Marisol Peñaloza, described the situation surrounding the raids as “regrettable” but said the municipality will cooperate with the investigation and deliver additional information requested by prosecutors. “I publicly apologize to citizens for these events,” Peñaloza said, adding she did not have prior knowledge of the raids. “I want to assure the people of Cuenca that all municipal services and projects will continue to operate normally,” she said.

Municipal Councilor Diana González said she was aware of 19 cases of “impropriety and possible criminal responsibility” being investigated by the Comptroller’s Office during the Zamora administration. She said it was “unfortunate” that the cases were not made available and addressed by the municipal council.

Zamora is currently in Mexico undergoing medical treatment, according to his family.