Former Ecuador President Lenín Moreno sentenced to five years in prison for bribery

Former Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno has been handed a five-year prison sentence for bribery, with a court also imposing a lifetime ban from public office. The conviction stems from allegations that Moreno accepted bribes to facilitate the financing of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, Ecuador's largest, which was managed by the Chinese company Sinohydro.

The National Court of Justice found Moreno guilty, stating that Sinohydro paid millions of dollars to a business circle that then distributed funds to various companies and individuals, including members of the former president's family. These alleged illicit activities occurred while Moreno served as vice president under President Rafael Correa (2007-2017).

In addition to Moreno, 20 other individuals were implicated and found guilty. His wife, Rocío González, and daughter Irina received sentences of two years and six months. Moreno's brothers, Edwin and Guillermo, his sister-in-law Marta González, friend Conto Patiño, and former Chinese ambassador Cai Runguo also received convictions. Patiño and the former Chinese ambassador were sentenced to the same five-year term as Moreno.

The prosecution's case alleged that Moreno, while vice president, intervened in matters outside his purview to benefit Sinohydro, receiving illicit gains through third parties. However, Moreno has denied the charges, asserting he received no money from Sinohydro and suggesting the case is a fabrication by Correa for revenge. The Coca Codo Sinclair plant, which began operation in late 2016, has been plagued by issues, including thousands of fissures, and was only officially received by the current government in April. Moreno claims he initiated investigations into flawed projects from the Correa era, including this plant, upon becoming president.

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Décidément, j’aurai tout vu. Il est temps que j’arrête le rugby.