The relationship between public servants, their impact on society and their connection with criminal groups in Ecuador.

Abstract

Ecuador has faced persistent problems of corruption and links between public servants and criminal gangs from colonial times to the present. Practices such as nepotism, illicit enrichment and influence peddling have weakened institutions and undermined public trust. Corruption manifests itself in bribery and extortion, and can be explained by theories such as the Fraud Triangle and state capture. Recent cases such as Bribery 2012-2016 and Metastasis show the magnitude of the problem. Criminal gangs affect key areas, such as drug trafficking and human trafficking, increasing violence. Comprehensive measures are required to strengthen institutions, improve transparency, accountability and law enforcement, in addition to greater international cooperation.