An Ecuadorean court sentenced former President Abdala Bucaram to nine years and four months in prison for involvement in a criminal organization that fraudulently sold medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors said the defendants repeatedly obtained benefits through negotiations for about 21,000 rapid COVID-19 tests and other supplies between March and August 2020.
Sentenced former President Abdala Bucaram to nine years and four months for COVID-19 medical supply fraud linked to a criminal organization; his son was also convicted.
WHEN:
Sep 9, 2026
WHERE:
Guay (hospital hearing via video conference)
WHY:
The sentence followed the court ruling that Bucaram and others formed an organized criminal structure that fraudulently sold medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
