Authorities carried out coordinated raids on April 28 as part of an investigation into an alleged corruption network within the National Electricity Corporation (CNEL), with operations extending to Cuenca.
The investigation focuses on a group of public officials accused of altering electricity bills in exchange for bribes. Officials say Cuenca was included in the operation because it holds key data systems tied to billing records.
• Raids conducted as part of CNEL corruption investigation
• Cuenca targeted for access to billing data systems
• At least 50 officials under investigation
Authorities indicated that the city serves as a central point for information related to billing changes, though it is not considered the origin of the alleged wrongdoing.
Initial findings suggest the network may involve at least 50 individuals. The scheme is believed to have involved falsifying invoices in exchange for payments, with estimated losses reaching around $280 million.
Investigators identified discrepancies between reported salaries and personal assets as part of the case, with some individuals earning under $1,000 monthly while holding assets exceeding $1 million.
The information gathered during the raids is expected to support ongoing efforts to identify those involved and determine the full scope of the alleged fraud.