RecoveringAssetshere and abroad.
When your company loses assets or funds to fraud, embezzlement or other unlawful activity, we identify where they are, secure them and pursue their recovery in Ecuador and in other countries. We combine criminal and civil proceedings with forensic investigation by Fextor.
A lost asset does not stay put: it changes hands, accounts and countries. That is why we pursue it with lawyers, investigators and authorities at the same time, without waiting for the trail to go cold.
From the first warning sign to the recovery of the asset.
Every case is different, but the path has clear stages. This is how we work with your company from day one.
- 01
Assessment
We review what was lost, how it happened and what information your company has, in order to define the strategy.
- 02
Forensic investigation
Together with Fextor, we analyze documents, transactions and digital evidence to reconstruct the path the assets took.
- 03
Location
We identify accounts, real estate, vehicles, companies and other assets linked to those responsible.
- 04
Securing assets
We request precautionary measures so the assets cannot be transferred or concealed while the proceedings move forward.
- 05
Legal action
We choose criminal proceedings, civil proceedings or both, in Ecuador and in the jurisdictions where the assets are located.
- 06
Enforcement
We enforce the decisions, including foreign judgments, until the asset is returned to your company.
We follow the asset wherever it goes.
We work with companies that have fallen victim to fraud, embezzlement or other unlawful activity. These are the services we provide, together with Fextor, our sister investigations firm.
- Investigation
- 01
In-depth forensic analysis
- 02
Intelligence and surveillance
- 03
Precise asset detection
- Legal action
- 04
Litigation representation
- International action
- 05
Multiple jurisdictions
- 06
Enforcement of judgments
In-depth forensic analysis
We reconstruct the facts through forensic accounting and digital forensics to understand how the assets left and who benefited.
- Forensic accounting
- Digital evidence
- Transaction analysis
Intelligence and surveillance
With Fextor's investigators, we gather information on the individuals and companies involved and on their movements.
- Profiling those responsible
- Corporate structures
- Tracking of movements
Precise asset detection
We locate the assets into which the lost value was converted: accounts, real estate, vehicles, equity interests and other assets.
- Bank accounts
- Real and personal property
- Equity interests
Litigation representation
We represent your company in criminal proceedings as private prosecutor, and in civil proceedings to recover the lost value.
- Private prosecution
- Civil lawsuits
- Precautionary measures
Multiple jurisdictions
We coordinate actions across several countries through our international network, mutual legal assistance and alternatives to the usual channels.
- International cooperation
- Mutual legal assistance
- Correspondent network
Enforcement of judgments
We enforce the decisions obtained, including the recognition of foreign judgments so they can be enforced against assets in Ecuador.
- Enforcement in Ecuador
- Foreign judgments
- Attachment and judicial auction
When funds cross borders, so do we.
We have experience in international economic crime and cross-border corruption, and working relationships with judicial and mutual legal assistance authorities in other countries. These are the fronts we activate in each case.
Funds recovered within a few weeks for an Australian multinational.
We identified and recovered USD 835,000 fraudulently transferred from Ecuador to a bank in Hong Kong, in coordination with Ecuadorian authorities, the FBI in the United States, and financial, police and judicial authorities in Hong Kong.
Forensic investigation
Reconstruction of the facts with Fextor.
Fund tracing
Tracking of transfers and beneficiaries.
Intelligence
Information on individuals and companies.
Bank alerts
Coordination with financial institutions.
Precautionary measures
Securing assets and accounts.
Criminal and civil proceedings
The strategy that best protects your company.
International cooperation
Authorities and our network abroad.
Foreign judgments
Recognition and enforcement in Ecuador.
What our clients say.
We would like to congratulate and recognize the work your firm did to identify and recover USD 835,000 belonging to our company, which had been fraudulently transferred from Ecuador to a bank in Hong Kong. We especially acknowledge your swift action and your coordination with local authorities in Ecuador, as well as with the FBI in the United States and with the authorities in Hong Kong.
One team, one point of contact.
Initial meeting
We listen to your situation in full confidence and review the information available.
Assessment
We identify risks, outstanding obligations and priorities for your company.
Plan and budget
We propose the roadmap, timeline and team, including any other practice areas of the firm that need to be involved.
Execution and follow-up
A lead lawyer coordinates everything and keeps you clearly informed at every step.
Six consecutive years in Band 1.
Leaders League has ranked Fexlaw in the top band for Criminal Law and Compliance in Ecuador for six years running. Chambers and Partners and the intellectual property rankings also recognize us for our anti-piracy work.
The people behind your recovery.
Civil and criminal litigators who work alongside Fextor's investigators and forensic experts to follow the asset in Ecuador and abroad.
Estupiñán BarrantesManaging Partner · Corporate Criminal Law and ComplianceView profile →
Practice lead
What clients often ask us.
General answers to common questions. Every company is different: write to us so we can review your situation.
01What should a company do when it detects a loss of funds or assets?
Act quickly: preserve documents and records without altering them, notify the banks involved and seek legal advice. The more time passes, the easier it becomes for assets to be transferred or concealed. If you are dealing with a recent scam, see also our scams and financial fraud practice.
02Is it possible to recover assets that have left the country?
In many cases, yes, through international cooperation, mutual legal assistance and action in the destination country. We have coordinated actions with authorities in the United States and Hong Kong. The outcome depends on each case and cannot be guaranteed.
03Should you pursue criminal or civil proceedings?
It depends on the facts. Criminal proceedings allow the offense to be investigated and full reparation to be sought; civil proceedings allow you to claim the lost value and enforce against assets. They are often combined, and we decide this with you at the outset.
04What are precautionary measures over assets?
They are court orders, such as a prohibition on transferring property, a freeze or an attachment, that prevent assets from being sold or moved while the proceedings are ongoing. Requesting them in time is key to making recovery possible.
05Can a judgment obtained in another country be enforced in Ecuador?
Yes. A foreign judgment can be recognized in Ecuador through the exequatur (homologation) procedure and then enforced against the debtor's assets in the country. For family wealth disputes with international elements, see also cross-border marital asset recovery.
Let's talk about
your assets.
Choose the option that best describes your situation and we will message you directly on WhatsApp to book a confidential initial meeting.
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