Ecuador ex-president bags five-year jail term over $76m bribery scandal

An Ecuadorian court has sentenced former President Lenin Moreno to five years in prison for accepting bribes tied to the construction of the country's largest hydroelectric dam. The ruling came on Friday and marks the culmination of a long-running corruption investigation involving the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project, which was completed by the Chinese firm Sinohydro. Prosecutors allege that Sinohydro paid approximately $76 million in bribes, accounting for roughly four percent of the project's total cost. Moreno, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, was one of 20 individuals found guilty in connection with the case. Moreno, 73, has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that he never received any money from Sinohydro. In a statement following the verdict, he claimed he had "never received a single cent" from the Chinese company. He further accused the case of being politically motivated, blaming it on the administration of his former political ally and predecessor, Rafael Correa. Moreno served as Correa’s vice-president from 2007 to 2013 before becoming president. Their relationship soured after Moreno shifted toward more conservative policies and strengthened ties with the United States, leading to a rift with Correa. The former president claims that Correa, who still resides in Belgium and has also faced corruption charges, promised to seek revenge against him after their ideological differences grew. The court also imposed prison sentences on Moreno’s wife and several family members for complicity in the corruption case. Two former managers of the Coca Codo Sinclair power plant were similarly convicted. Prosecutors had originally requested a six-and-a-half-year sentence for Moreno, citing the severity of the alleged offenses. However, the court opted for a five-year term. Moreno has announced intentions to appeal the decision, though the legal process will likely take months to resolve. The Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project, located in southern Ecuador, is one of the largest infrastructure developments in the country. It was designed to provide renewable energy and support economic growth. However, the project became embroiled in controversy due to allegations of financial misconduct. According to prosecutors, Sinohydro engaged in corrupt practices during its operations, including paying bribes to secure contracts and expedite work. These allegations have led to multiple convictions and ongoing investigations into the project's management. The case highlights broader challenges within Ecuador’s political landscape, particularly regarding transparency and accountability. The conviction of former officials underscores the government's efforts to address systemic corruption, even as it continues to face scrutiny over past administrations. The involvement of international actors such as Sinohydro adds another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about the role of foreign investment in domestic governance. Legal experts suggest that the sentencing reflects a growing trend in Ecuador towards holding high-profile figures accountable for alleged wrongdoing. While the outcome may serve as a deterrent to future misconduct, it also raises concerns about the potential for political retaliation or biased judicial proceedings. As the appeal process unfolds, the case will remain a focal point for public discourse on ethics and governance in the region.