Quito:An Ecuadorian judge has mandated pretrial detention for opposition politician Luisa Gonzalez and two others in connection with an investigation into alleged money laundering tied to campaign financing, as announced by the Attorney General's Office.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the pretrial detention order is part of the Laberinto case, which scrutinizes potential irregularities in the financing of the Citizens' Revolution's 2023 presidential campaign. Gonzalez was reportedly apprehended in Manabi province on October 22.

The investigation centers on the alleged utilization of funds from illegal fuel trading to cover campaign advertising and other expenses. Prosecutors are probing the sources and legitimacy of campaign contributions, as well as payments that may not have been properly disclosed to electoral authorities.

The case also includes former lawmaker Santiago Diaz and other suspects. The judge has ordered pretrial detention for Gonzalez, Diaz, and a third individual named Onofre. Another person, Molina, is required to report to authorities thrice weekly, remain in Ecuador, and wear an electronic monitor.

Prosecutors claim that around $500,000 could have been channeled through a network of companies to fund campaign advertising from May to October 2023. The investigation is set to proceed with a 90-day period of formal instruction.

Gonzalez, who represented the Citizens' Revolution movement in the 2023 and 2025 presidential elections, has denied the allegations, labeling the case as political persecution. It is important to note that these charges are still allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a final court decision.