La cadena de custodia en los procesos de delincuencia organizada en Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: This work examines the chain of custody in organized crime processes in Ecuador, focusing on the treatment of labeling and numbering of evidence by the Comprehensive Specialized Investigation System. Through a regulatory analysis, national and international regulations are reviewed, highlighting their impact on the administration of justice. Through surveys and interviews carried out with 10 prosecutors and 10 professionals from the Criminal Guarantees Judicial Unit Specialized in Corruption and Organized Crime, the application of the procedure is evaluated in 2023. The quantitative and qualitative results reveal weaknesses in the management of the chain of custody that affect the integrity of evidence and the effectiveness of investigations. A series of recommendations is proposed to improve procedures, guaranteeing transparency and reliability in evidence management.