Former Ecuadorian president imprisoned for corruption

A former president of Ecuador has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of accepting bribes. Lenín Moreno, who led the country from 2017 to 2021, is the third former leader to face such charges. The ruling came from a court in Quito, where Moreno and 19 others were convicted of corruption. Prosecutors allege that Sinohydro, a Chinese state-owned company, funneled $76.1 million through shell companies to individuals connected to the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric dam project. Among those sentenced were Moreno’s wife, daughter, and brother, along with former plant managers, Sinohydro representatives, and a Chinese ambassador to Ecuador. Moreno, 73 years old, will serve his sentence under house arrest due to his age and health conditions. He has stated his intent to appeal the decision. While prosecutors claim he received minimal funds from the scheme, they assert that his family members received tens of thousands of dollars. Those convicted must repay three times the amount they were given, and Moreno has been banned from holding public office. He denies any personal involvement in the alleged bribery and instead points to former President Rafael Correa, under whom he served as vice-president. Correa was sentenced to eight years in prison in a separate bribery case in 2020. Correa had approved the Coca Codo Sinclair project, according to Moreno, who claims he initiated an investigation into the project’s issues upon assuming the presidency. The Ecuadorian government filed legal action against Sinohydro in 2021 following structural problems and technical failures with the dam. A settlement of $400 million was reached with the firm’s owner earlier this year. The BBC has sought comments from Sinohydro and the Chinese embassy in Ecuador regarding the case. The conviction marks a continuation of efforts by the current administration to address corruption within the executive branch. Moreno’s sentencing follows similar convictions of past leaders, reflecting a broader trend of judicial accountability in Ecuador. His family members, including his wife and daughter, were also implicated in the case, highlighting the extent of the alleged financial misconduct. The prosecution emphasized that the payments were made through shell companies, suggesting a complex network of illicit transactions. Legal experts noted that the case underscores the challenges of prosecuting high-profile political figures, particularly when allegations involve international actors. The involvement of Sinohydro, a state-owned enterprise based in China, adds an international dimension to the case. The Chinese embassy in Ecuador has not yet responded to the BBC’s request for comment, though diplomatic channels remain open for further dialogue. The case could influence future investigations into foreign investment projects in Ecuador and their compliance with local laws. As Moreno prepares to appeal, the outcome of his legal challenge will likely shape the trajectory of anti-corruption measures in the country. The conviction of a former president sets a precedent for holding even senior officials accountable. The resolution of this case may also impact relations between Ecuador and China, especially concerning ongoing infrastructure projects and economic cooperation. The legal proceedings continue to unfold, with the focus remaining on the enforcement of penalties and the restoration of public trust in governmental institutions.