The current Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Roberto Luque, has publicly addressed his involvement in the ongoing “Caso Apagón,” an investigation into alleged embezzlement regarding the procurement of electrical generation equipment. Luque, who previously served as the Minister of Energy, categorically condemned the American company Progen, stating, “Progen es una empresa corrupta. Para perfeccionar su estafa tuvo que corromper a funcionarios.”
The Scope of the Investigation
The investigation centers on the acquisition of fifty electrical generators that were ultimately deemed unusable. These units were procured through emergency contracts for the El Salitral and Quevedo sites. Luque emphasized that the government was the party responsible for filing formal complaints in both Ecuador and the United States, utilizing the latter’s “Ley Rico” to pursue the matter.
During his tenure as Minister of Energy, which began on April 16, 2024, Luque oversaw an emergency declaration that authorized the Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (Celec) to initiate emergency contracting. The ministry received approximately thirty proposals from various entities, including Progen and Austral Technical Management (ATM), to address the national power generation needs.
Did You Know?
Following the discovery of potential irregularities, the government initiated formal legal complaints against the involved companies in both Ecuador and the United States, invoking the American “Ley Rico” to facilitate the legal process.
Transparency and Legal Scrutiny
Addressing his personal status within the judicial process, Luque noted that he has provided full cooperation to the State Attorney General’s Office. He detailed that authorities have scrutinized a wide range of his personal and professional records, including his tax filings, social security records, communications, and travel movements. After an eight-month preliminary investigation involving more than 53 testimonies, Luque stated that he was one of 32 individuals investigated, of which 23 have been formally charged.
Luque maintains that his exclusion from the list of those formally charged is a result of this comprehensive investigation. He emphasized that he remains accountable only for his actions taken between April 16, 2024, and July 2, 2024, the period during which he held the energy portfolio. The minister has confirmed his intent to testify before the National Assembly regarding these events.
Expert Insight:
The public nature of this investigation, combined with the government’s aggressive pursuit of legal action abroad, suggests that the administration is attempting to distance itself from the failed procurement process. By highlighting his own cooperation and the subsequent charges brought against others, the minister is positioning his administration as a proactive force in uncovering corruption rather than a participant in it.
Future Implications
As the legal proceedings continue, it is likely that the investigation will focus on identifying the specific officials who facilitated the contracts. The government has signaled that it intends to continue its efforts to recover public funds, with Luque asserting, “como Gobierno no vamos a descansar hasta lograr recuperar los fondos de todos los ecuatorianos de esta empresa estafadora.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary allegation in the “Caso Apagón”?
The investigation is centered on alleged embezzlement (peculado) involving the acquisition of fifty unusable electrical generators from the companies Progen and ATM through emergency contracts.
How did the Ministry of Energy select these providers?
Following an emergency declaration on April 16, 2024, the ministry received approximately thirty proposals from different companies. Luque noted that the ministry conducted a market survey, which included international travel to inspect potential generation equipment in the Dominican Republic and the United States.
Has Roberto Luque been charged in this case?
No. Luque stated that he was one of 32 people investigated, but he was not among the 23 individuals against whom charges have been formally brought following the preliminary investigation.
What steps should be prioritized to ensure transparency in future emergency energy procurement processes?
