Ecuador's Ex-President Moreno Handed Five-Year Jail Term in Bribery Scandal

The Public Prosecutor’s office in Ecuador announced on Friday, August 28, that former President Lenin Moreno, aged 73, has been convicted of bribery. This ruling stems from a corruption probe related to the construction of the nation's largest hydroelectric power plant. Moreno received a five-year prison sentence and is permanently prohibited from holding any public office.

The investigation, initiated by the attorney general's office in March 2023, focused on allegations that Moreno, along with members of his family and various local and Chinese business partners, participated in a bribery network. This illicit scheme was linked to the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric facility, which, despite becoming operational in 2016, has since encountered several technical difficulties.

Judge Manuel Cabrera, who presided over the tribunal, confirmed the verdict, stating, “Lenin Moreno’s conduct is consistent with the charges brought by the prosecution: the crime of bribery attributed to a public official.” According to the attorney general’s office, the Chinese state-owned company, Sinohydro, channeled approximately $76.1 million in bribes between 2009 and 2018 through a series of fraudulent consulting contracts.

In addition to the former president, his wife and daughter, as well as his two brothers and their spouses, were also found guilty and received prison sentences of two and a half years each. Cai Runguo, China’s former ambassador to Quito, was also handed a five-year sentence. Investigators traced the illicit funds, indicating they were moved through offshore accounts and shell companies located in tax havens before ultimately reaching Moreno’s relatives and associates. Prosecutors revealed that Moreno and his immediate family allegedly received over $1 million during his tenure as vice president from 2007 to 2013.

Moreno, who governed Ecuador as president from 2017 to 2021, consistently refuted these accusations. He maintained that he played no part in the signing or oversight of the project's contracts. During the court hearing, Moreno addressed the tribunal, asserting, “You’re looking in the wrong place. Look at those who signed the contracts, at those who had the habit of demanding kickbacks.” He had returned to Ecuador from Paraguay specifically to face the trial.