Ecuador court upholds preventive detention of Esmeraldas mayor in money laundering case

Ecuador's National Court judge Daniella Camacho rejected the appeal of Vicko Villacís, mayor of Esmeraldas, upholding his preventive detention on alleged money laundering charges. The decision maintains judicial pressure on a sitting mayor, signaling continued anti-corruption enforcement in Ecuador. The case's political implications are uncertain but could affect local governance in Esmeraldas.