Ecuadorian club Astillero FC, which plays in the Second Division, was at the center of public controversy following an investigation published by journalist Andersson Boscan.
"He uncovered suspected financial irregularities regarding the economic management of the institution and mentioned possible links to the Albanian mafia," Ecuadorian media wrote.
According to Boscan, in 2023 Astillero FC had recorded nearly $3.5 million in expenses, even though, according to accounting reviewed by his team, the club's declared income had not exceeded $100,000 in the same period.
This difference of more than $3 million is one of the main questions raised in the report.
The journalist also stated that the club maintained high levels of spending in 2024 and 2025, with amounts exceeding $2.7 million and $1.8 million respectively, including around $500,000 per year in salaries for the professional team.
Boscan also questioned the mechanisms used to justify these resources, pointing to high alleged revenues from courthouse rentals, which, according to his analysis, were difficult to maintain operationally.
In his investigation, Boscan linked the origin of the financing to Héctor Pesantes Sangurima, founder and former director of the club, whom he linked to the private security company Agusegpro, which was identified by the State Attorney General's Office in an investigation for suspected links to an international criminal network linked to the Albanian mafia.
The journalist explained that these are allegations under investigation and not court decisions.
Following the publication of the report, the Astillero Football Club issued an official statement categorically denying any link to illegal activities, rejecting the journalist's accusations and asserting that the statements damage the image and prestige of the institution and its members.
