Former Ecuadorian president imprisoned for corruption

What the report says

Former Ecuadorian president Lenín Moreno has been sentenced to five years in prison after a court in Quito found him and 19 others guilty of corruption linked to a hydroelectric project, according to BBC World News. Moreno, who led Ecuador from 2017 to 2021, denies taking bribes and says he will appeal the ruling.

The case centers on the Coca Codo Sinclair dam, where prosecutors said Sinohydro, a Chinese state-owned company, channelled millions of dollars through shell companies to people involved in securing the contract. The BBC reported that Moreno was accused of receiving only a small share directly, while family members allegedly received larger sums. Those convicted must repay three times the amounts they obtained, and Moreno has been barred from holding public office.

Because of his age and disability, Moreno will serve his sentence under house arrest. BBC World News noted that his wife, daughter and brother were also among those sentenced, along with former plant managers, Sinohydro representatives and a former Chinese ambassador to Ecuador.

The ruling adds to a broader pattern of high-level corruption cases in Ecuador; Moreno is the third former president from the country to be sentenced on corruption charges. The BBC also reported that Ecuador later launched legal action over cracks and technical problems at the dam, eventually reaching a settlement with Sinohydro’s owner earlier this year.