National Transit Agency suspends operations following the arrests of top managers

The National Transit Agency is temporarily closing its doors following the arrest of 10 agency managers, including director Pedro Abril. The ANT is responsible for issuing driver’s licenses and conducting vehicle inspections, among other transportation-related functions.

Among the ANT services temporarily suspended due to corruption arrests and the ongoing investigation are vehicle inspections.

According to prosecutors, those arrested in 23 police raids early Friday were part of a criminal network that provided illegal services for payment. The arrests were made in Pichincha, Tungurahua and Santo Domingo provinces but officials say the other arrests are probable as the investigation continues.

“The evidence suggests illegal activities have been widespread throughout the ANT system and we continue to review records in offices in all provinces,” prosecutors said in a statement.

Following the arrests, Interior Minister John Reimberg said all ANT offices would be closed for 30 days, but his office said late Friday the closures may only continue for 10 days to two weeks.

Reimberg said the arrests and continuing investigation are intended to “purge ANT of a criminal structure” that has operated within the agency for years. “Among the illegal activities we discovered were the prioritizing of appointments for a fee and the sales of licenses that by-passed testing requirements.”

He added that some local governments and driving schools may also be connected to the criminal network.

During the agency closure, a new computer system will be installed at all ANT offices, says Transportation Minister Roberto Luque. “What the investigation revealed is the vulnerability of the current system to manipulation by corrupt employees and hackers,” he said. “The new system will provide safeguards to prevent illegal activity.”

Prosecutors say the lost revenue to ANT from the corruption amounts to more than $3 million.