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

A court has sentenced former Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno to five years in prison for bribery. The conviction stems from accusations that Moreno accepted bribes to facilitate financing for the construction of Coca Codo Sinclair, the nation's largest hydroelectric power plant, which was undertaken by the Chinese company Sinohydro.

The National Court of Justice found Moreno guilty and imposed the maximum sentence allowed by law. In addition to imprisonment, he is permanently barred from holding public office. Judges stated that the Chinese company paid significant funds to a business network, which then distributed the money to various companies and individuals, including members of Moreno's family.

These alleged illicit activities occurred while Moreno served as vice president under former President Rafael Correa, who led the country from 2007 to 2017. Twenty other individuals were also charged in connection with the case, including Moreno's wife, daughter, brothers, and sister-in-law.