The United States Department of State announced this Wednesday (9) the imposition of visa restrictions on former Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa (2007-2017) and his former vice president Jorge Glas, as well as direct members of their families, due to their involvement in corruption schemes during their terms as head of the Ecuadorian government.
Accordingly with a statement from the US State Department“Correa and Glas abused their positions as former president of Ecuador and former vice president of Ecuador, respectively, by accepting bribes, including through political contributions, in exchange for the award of favorable government contracts.”
This is a significant act, as it marks direct action by the US government against internationally prominent political figures who, according to US authorities, have compromised their countries’ “governmental transparency and integrity”.
“The United States stands with Ecuadorians, including members of civil society, security forces, and investigative journalists, committed to increasing government transparency and holding corrupt public officials accountable. Anti-corruption provisions, including in government procurement contracts, help ensure that the government meets the needs of its citizens. This designation also reaffirms our commitment to combating global corruption, including at the highest levels of government,” the State Department statement said.
In addition to Correa and Glas, the United States government also banned Correa’s immediate family from entering the country, including his wife, Anne Malherbe Gosselin, his adult daughters, Sofia Correa and Anne Dominique Correa, and his son, Rafael Miguel Correa. Likewise, Glas’ wife, Cinthia Diaz Aveiga, and his son, Jorge Glas Diaz.
The State Department’s action is based on Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2024.
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