Ecuador Court Convicts Ex-President Lenin Moreno in Bribery Case

An Ecuadorean court has found former President Lenin Moreno guilty in a major bribery case connected to the construction of Ecuador’s largest hydroelectric power plant, according to the country’s public prosecutor’s office.

The ruling, announced Friday, marks a significant development in Ecuador’s efforts to prosecute alleged corruption involving former senior government officials. The case centers on the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, one of the country’s most important and costly infrastructure projects.

Prosecutors accused Moreno and other defendants of participating in a bribery scheme associated with the construction of the massive power facility. The investigation examined alleged illegal payments and financial arrangements linked to the project, which has faced scrutiny over its costs, construction process and technical problems.

Moreno served as Ecuador’s president from 2017 to 2021 after previously holding the vice presidency under former President Rafael Correa. His conviction adds to a series of high-profile corruption cases that have involved prominent political figures in the South American country.

The Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant was developed as a centerpiece of Ecuador’s strategy to increase domestic electricity production and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Located between the provinces of Napo and Sucumbíos, the facility has an installed capacity of 1,500 megawatts and is the country’s largest hydroelectric power station.

The project was constructed by Chinese engineering company Sinohydro and financed largely through lending from China. Since becoming operational, the plant has attracted controversy over structural concerns and other technical issues, while authorities have investigated allegations surrounding the contracting and financing process.

Friday’s guilty verdict against Moreno could carry significant political and legal consequences as Ecuador continues its broader campaign against public-sector corruption. The prosecutor’s office confirmed the conviction, highlighting the case as one of the country’s most prominent investigations involving alleged bribery connected to major public infrastructure.

The ruling further intensifies scrutiny of Ecuador’s past infrastructure deals and the conduct of officials involved in overseeing multibillion-dollar government projects.