Updated

Ecuador's Supreme Court has ordered Vice President Jorge Glas held in jail while he is investigated for allegedly taking bribes from a Brazilian construction giant involved in a sprawling regional graft scandal.

Judge Miguel Jurado accepted a request from prosecutors that Glas be detained to guard against any attempt to escape. Until Monday's ruling Glas has been free but barred from leaving the country.

Glas has gone on Twitter to call the order an "infamous attack" but says he has faith that he will be exonerated.

Glas is highest-ranking official in Ecuador to be probed for allegedly receiving some of the $33 million that the Odebrecht construction company has acknowledged paying in exchange for contracts. He denies any wrongdoing and has refused to resign.