Miami, Florida – A Miami federal court found Carlos Ramon Polit Faggioni, former Comptroller General of Ecuador, guilty of participating in a bribery and money laundering operation that channeled millions of dollars through the United States. This conviction underscores the relentless pursuit of justice against corrupt officials worldwide.
The Corruption Case Against Polit
Carlos Ramon Polit Faggioni, aged 73, faced serious charges for his involvement in a complex corruption scheme during his tenure from 2010 to 2015. As the Comptroller General, Polit was supposed to protect Ecuador’s public funds and combat corruption. However, evidence presented at his trial revealed that he instead exploited his influential position by accepting over $10 million in bribes from Odebrecht S.A., a Brazilian construction giant notorious for its corrupt practices. Polit’s corrupt dealings included manipulating administrative fines to benefit Odebrecht’s operations within Ecuador.
Further compounding his criminal activities, in 2015, Polit also accepted bribes from an Ecuadorian businessman. This was in exchange for facilitation in securing contracts with Ecuador’s state-owned insurance company, demonstrating Polit’s pervasive influence across various sectors.
Money Laundering Through Miami
The prosecution detailed how Polit, with the help of accomplices, laundered the bribe money. They routed the illicit funds through multiple Florida-based companies, some of which were registered under the names of his associates, often without their knowledge. These funds were used to acquire and renovate luxury real estate in Florida, effectively using the U.S. as a haven for his laundered money.
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U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe expressed that this verdict serves as a robust affirmation of the commitment of the Southern District of Florida to root out and prosecute foreign corruption that extends into the United States. It was emphasized that no amount of power or wealth could shield corrupt figures from the reach of U.S. law enforcement.
Reactions and Implications
Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury highlighted the outcome as a testament to the principle that no one is above the law. This case is part of a broader effort by Homeland Security Investigations and the El Dorado Financial Crimes Task Forces to pursue corrupt officials globally who abuse their power for personal gain.
Nicole M. Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, reinforced the U.S. Justice Department’s resolve to prevent America from becoming a refuge for corrupt foreign assets. The department’s actions reflect a broader strategy to enhance accountability for corrupt officials worldwide, particularly those who engage in such egregious acts.
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The Broader Impact of Odebrecht’s Corruption
This case ties into the larger scandal involving Odebrecht S.A., which in December 2016, admitted to U.S. authorities its role in a vast bribery network. The company confessed to paying nearly $800 million in bribes across twelve countries to secure business advantages, shedding light on the pervasive nature of international corporate corruption.
Sentencing and Broader Legal Implications
Polit now faces up to 20 years in prison for each count related to money laundering and up to 10 years for each count involving transactions with criminally derived property. The sentencing is yet to be scheduled.
