Sinohydro Case: Lenín Moreno Rejects Guilty Verdict, Awaits Sentencing

Former Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno has rejected a guilty verdict for bribery in the Sinohydro case, declared by the National Court of Justice on August 28, 2026. During a recess in the sentencing hearing, Moreno affirmed his commitment to remain in Ecuador and denied receiving illicit funds, stating he awaits the magistrates' decision on his prison sentence.

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I did not receive illicit money and I await the magistrates to define the years of deprivation of liberty that I must serve along with the other involved parties.

Moreno asserted that he declined an offer of refuge in Paraguay to face the national tribunals. He attributed the legal proceedings to a complaint filed by former assembly member Ronny Aleaga and questioned the prosecution's case. Moreno argued that the government-to-government contract with China for the project was initiated by Rafael Correa, while Jorge Glas oversaw the construction phase.

During his defense, Moreno highlighted his presidential administration's efforts to review over 600 flawed construction projects, including identifying 17,000 fissures in the Coca Codo Sinclair plant. He initiated international legal actions related to these issues, which were continued by the current government. Regarding accusations about his property, Moreno detailed that his apartment was purchased for $253,000, with a $53,000 down payment and a $200,000 mortgage from Banco del Pacífico, after residing there for 13 years under a lease agreement.

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the judicial process originated from a complaint filed by former assembly member Ronny Aleaga

Despite Moreno's statements, the court ruled that he used his authority as vice president to facilitate the financing of the hydroelectric project awarded to Sinohydro. Expert reports and bank records presented by the judges revealed payments totaling $217,000 directed to his brother, Edwin Moreno. These funds originated from offshore firm INA Investment Corp ($100,000), Ginepri SA ($67,000), and Javier Macías ($50,000), forming key evidence in the investigation.

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the subscription of the government-to-government contract with China was executed by Rafael Correa with Eximbank, while the construction phase was handled by Jorge Glas.

With this verdict, Moreno becomes the fourth individual sentenced in the criminal proceedings. The interim prosecutor general requested a six-year and six-month prison sentence for Moreno and six other defendants, with the final sentencing for all involved pending.

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my apartment was acquired for 253,000 dollars, through an initial payment of 53,000 in check and 200,000 financed through a mortgage loan with Banco del Pacífico, after having resided for 13 years under a lease contract in that place.