Former Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno has been found guilty in a bribery case linked to the construction of the country’s largest hydroelectric plant.
An Ecuadorian court convicted Moreno on Friday after prosecutors linked him and his relatives to an alleged corruption network surrounding the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project.
The 73-year-old former president received a five-year prison sentence. The court also permanently barred him from holding public office.
Moreno Convicted Over Bribery Allegations
Judge Manuel Cabrera, head of the tribunal, said Moreno’s conduct matched the prosecution’s bribery charges against him.
The case centres on the Coca Codo Sinclair plant, which began operating in 2016. The facility has faced technical problems since its launch.
Ecuador’s attorney general’s office began investigating the alleged corruption network in March 2023. Investigators examined Moreno, members of his family and several Ecuadorian and Chinese business figures.
Family Members Also Sentenced
Moreno’s wife and daughter were also found guilty. His two brothers and sisters-in-law received the same verdict.
The court sentenced each of them to two years and six months in prison.
China’s former ambassador to Quito, Cai Runguo, also received a five-year prison sentence.
Prosecutors had sought sentences of more than six years for Moreno and 19 other defendants.
Millions Allegedly Paid in Bribes
According to prosecutors, Chinese company Sinohydro paid approximately $76.1 million in alleged bribes between 2009 and 2018.
Investigators said the money moved through fraudulent consulting contracts, overseas bank accounts and shell companies in tax havens.
Prosecutors further alleged that Moreno and his close relatives received more than $1 million while he served as Ecuador’s vice president between 2007 and 2013.
Moreno Denied Involvement
Moreno has consistently denied the allegations.
The former president maintained that he had no role in signing or supervising contracts related to the hydroelectric project.
During the hearing, Moreno rejected the prosecution’s accusations and argued that investigators should focus on officials who actually signed the contracts.
He returned to Ecuador from Paraguay to face the trial.
Moreno’s Political Career
Moreno served as Ecuador’s president from 2017 to 2021.
Before becoming president, he served as vice president from 2007 to 2013.
The latest conviction now marks a major legal setback for the former leader and permanently ends his eligibility to hold public office in Ecuador.
