Defense of Carlos Pólit seeks his release in bribery case

The defense of former comptroller Carlos Pólit Faggioni, who is currently detained at the Federal Detention Center in Miami after being found guilty of money laundering bribes, recently filed a response to the objections raised by the United States Department of Justice. In this response, Pólit's lawyers argued that there is no risk of flight on the part of their client and requested his release from prison while awaiting the sentencing. The former comptroller, who surrendered to authorities on April 23 after being convicted of six charges related to laundering money from bribes, now faces uncertainty regarding the sentence he will have to serve, which will be determined on September 4. In light of this situation, his lawyers proposed that Pólit be placed under house arrest in exchange for a $25 million bond, to be backed by real estate and retirement accounts of family members. However, the Department of Justice opposed this request, citing the risk of flight on the part of the former comptroller. Prosecutors noted that Pólit is already considered a fugitive from justice in Ecuador, where he faces a six-year prison sentence and a hefty fine for corruption-related offenses. In response to these accusations, Pólit's defense admitted that their client has not returned to Ecuador to serve his sentence, but justified this decision by alleging that the country faces issues of violence and political corruption. They argued that Pólit's security and integrity could be at risk if he were to return to his home country. Judge Kathleen Williams, presiding over the case against Pólit, will have to make a crucial decision regarding the defense's request. Additionally, the judge is also considering two other requests made by Pólit's defense, seeking to annul the trial against him and obtain an acquittal. The legal situation of Carlos Pólit in the United States and Ecuador has sparked controversy and anticipation among the public. While some express concern about the possibility of the former official being released from prison before his sentencing, others question the reasons given by his defense to justify his absence in Ecuador. Amidst this complex legal scenario, Carlos Pólit's figure remains at the center of media and political attention. The final decision made by Judge Williams regarding the defense's requests will not only impact Pólit's future but will also set a precedent in the fight against corruption and impunity in the region. Given the uncertainty and controversy surrounding this case, Ecuadorian society and the international community await with interest the outcome of this judicial process that calls into question ethics and transparency in public service.