SAM

ADA

FREDDY

MOSQUERA

Embezzlement:

Embezzlement refers to the act of dishonestly appropriating or misappropriating funds or assets entrusted to one's
care, usually by a person who has been given access to those funds or assets because of his or her position of trust
within an organisation. It involves the unauthorised diversion of funds for personal gain.

Types of embezzlement

1. Self-misappropriation

Embezzlement is the damage to property caused by a public official or authority with competence for the
administration of property. Within this category, a distinction can be made:

- Appropriation: when the purpose of the conduct is to remove public assets in order to increase one's own.
- Of use: the subject diverts public assets for a use different from the original destination.

2. Improper embezzlement

The Penal Code also typifies embezzlement committed by private individuals who do not fulfil the role of an official
or authority among its offences against the Public Administration. These cases involve persons who:

- Are responsible for the funds or income of the public administration.

- They are the depositaries of public funds or depositary funds with a legal designation.
- They have the function of being depositaries of other goods or money that have been seized, seized or
deposited by the public authorities.

Another classification according to seriousness

Another possible classification in the offence of embezzlement is made on the basis of the seriousness of the facts or
the amounts embezzled. In this way a differentiation can be made between:

 Attenuated embezzlement: the damage that has been generated with the criminal conduct exercised by the
subject is less than 4,000 euros.
 Aggravated embezzlement: there is an aggravating circumstance when the consequence is serious damage or
hindrance to public service or the amount embezzled exceeds 50,000 euros.

Case of embezzlement:

The case of the "Fondo Solidario para la Vivienda" is one of the most notorious examples of embezzlement in
Ecuador. In 2008, during the government of Rafael Correa, this fund was established with the purpose of financing
housing projects for low-income people.

However, it was discovered that a corruption network diverted a significant amount of money from the fund. Senior
officials and businessmen close to the government were involved in the scheme, whereby contracts were
manipulated and housing projects were overbilled.

The embezzled funds amounted to millions of dollars, resulting in the failure to build housing for the people who
really needed it. This case of embezzlement generated outrage and led to the dismissal of several corrupt officials.

NEPOTISM:
Nepotism is the practice of showing favouritism or granting preferential treatment to members of one's own family
or close relatives, often in matters of employment or promotion. It involves giving unfair advantages to relatives
based on their family relationship rather than their qualifications or abilities.

Classification

Family nepotism: Occurs when jobs or opportunities are given to immediate family members, such as children,
siblings, spouses or parents, without regard to their qualifications or experience.

Political nepotism: Occurs when public officials give positions or benefits to their relatives or close friends in the
political arena. It may include government appointments, contract assignments or concessions.

Nepotism in private companies: Occurs when owners or managers of companies hire or promote relatives or close
friends without properly assessing their skills or competencies.

Nepotism in educational institutions: Involves a preference for hiring or admitting relatives of influential people in
academia, regardless of the academic merit of the candidates.

Nepotism in the arts and entertainment: This can occur when employment opportunities, such as film roles, record
contracts or art exhibitions, are given to relatives or close friends of influential people in these industries.

Nepotism in sport: This occurs when relatives of coaches, officials or influential figures in sport are favoured without
regard to their talent or sporting ability.

These are some of the most common types of nepotism, but it is important to note that, in each case, nepotism is a
practice that favours personal connections over merit, which can have negative consequences on the effectiveness
and fairness of the organisations or institutions in which it occurs.

Case of Nepotism in Ecuador:

One of the best known cases of nepotism in Ecuador relates to the government of Abdalá Bucaram, who held the
country's presidency from August 1996 to February 1997. During his term in office, accusations of favouritism
towards his relatives in key public positions arose.

The most prominent case was the appointment of his brother, Jacobo Bucaram, as Minister of Health. This
appointment generated concern and criticism, as Jacobo Bucaram lacked experience and training in the health field.
In addition, it was alleged that other relatives of the president also held important positions in the government,
which led to accusations of nepotism and lack of transparency.

These nepotism practices caused outrage in Ecuadorian society, as it was perceived as a violation of the principles of
equal opportunity and meritocracy. Public pressure and protests led to the removal of Abdalá Bucaram from office by
Congress in 1997.

It is important to mention that this case is only one example of nepotism in Ecuador, and there are other similar
cases that have raised concerns and have been the subject of public scrutiny. The fight against nepotism continues to
be a challenge in the country, and authorities and civil society are expected to promote transparency and equal
opportunities in decision-making.

Glosario

 Embezzlement: The act of dishonestly misappropriating funds or assets entrusted to one's care for personal
gain.
 Misappropriating: Inappropriately or unlawfully using someone else's funds or assets for personal gain or
unauthorized purposes.
 Entrusted: Assigning or giving responsibility for the care or safekeeping of something to someone.
 Diversion: Redirecting or using something for a different purpose than originally intended.
 Preferential treatment: Granting advantages or privileges to someone based on personal preferences rather
than objective merit.
 Qualifications: The skills, knowledge, or attributes that make an individual suitable for a particular job or
position.
 Abilities: Skills, talents, or aptitudes that enable someone to perform tasks or duties effectively.
 Promotions: The advancement of an employee to a higher position or rank within an organization, usually
accompanied by increased responsibilities and benefits.