The National Corporation of Telecommunications began under the direction of Jorge Glas, who oversaw the merger of Andinatel S.A. and Pacifitel S.A. during his tenure as a government minister. Born in 1969 in Guayaquil, he emerged as a central figure in Ecuadorian politics through roles managing strategic sectors and energy infrastructure projects before facing a series of significant criminal convictions.
Professional Background
Glas is an electrical engineer by training, having graduated from the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral on 22 September 2008. His early career included managing the Solidarity Fund between 2007 and 2009, an entity that consolidated various state-owned electricity and telecommunications firms. He also served as the president of the National Telecommunications Council and as Minister of Telecommunications. In his capacity as Coordinating Minister of Strategic Sectors, he directed the construction of several hydroelectric stations across Ecuador.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Legal Proceedings and Imprisonment
The legal challenges began in December 2017 when a Criminal Tribunal of the National Court of Justice sentenced him to six years for receiving over 13.5 million dollars in bribes linked to the Odebrecht conglomerate. Further judicial developments followed, including an eight-year sentence for aggravated bribery in April 2020 and another eight-year term for misuse of public funds in an oil contract in January 2021. In June 2025, he received an additional 13-year sentence concerning the misappropriation of funds designated for reconstruction after the 2016 earthquake.
Diplomatic Incident at the Mexican Embassy
In December 2023, Glas sought political asylum within the Mexican embassy in Quito, citing political persecution. On 5 April 2024, Ecuadorian police executed a raid on the embassy to arrest him, an action that led Mexico to sever diplomatic relations with Ecuador. Nicaragua subsequently ended ties with the nation as well. Following his detention, Glas has been held in various facilities, including La Roca and the El Encuentro maximum security prison, and the United States Department of State banned him from entry in October 2024.
Fast facts
- Born: 1969, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Education: Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral
- Citizenship: Ecuador, Germany
- Religion: Catholicism
- First political appointment: 2007
- Date of arrest at Mexican embassy: 5 April 2024
- Current status: Incarcerated at El Encuentro
Questions readers ask
What is Jorge Glas's educational background?
He earned a degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral in 2008.
Why were diplomatic relations between Mexico and Ecuador severed in 2024?
Relations were severed after Ecuadorian police raided the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest Glas, who had been granted asylum there.
Achievements
- Educated at Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral
- Worked as electrical engineer and politician
.jpg)