The rot of corruption continues to plague Ecuador’s political establishment as former President Lenín Moreno has been sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in a massive bribery operation.
A court in Quito found Moreno and 19 others guilty of facilitating a deal with the Chinese state-owned firm Sinohydro, which paid out a staggering $76.1 million in bribes to secure the contract for the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric dam.
While Moreno attempts to deflect blame onto his predecessor, Rafael Correa, the evidence presented by prosecutors paints a clear picture of systemic graft. The scheme involved funneling illicit payments through shell companies to Moreno’s own family members, including his wife, daughter, and brother.
In a move that highlights the depth of this scandal, the court also handed down sentences to former plant managers, Sinohydro representatives, and a Chinese ambassador. Moreno, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, will serve his sentence under house arrest due to his age and disability, though he remains barred from holding public office.
Beyond the prison sentences, the court has ordered those convicted to repay three times the amount of the bribes received. This verdict serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked state-led projects and the persistent influence of foreign entities in Latin American governance.
The Coca Codo Sinclair project itself has been a disaster, plagued by structural failures and cracks that forced the Ecuadorian government to pursue legal action against Sinohydro, eventually resulting in a $400 million settlement earlier this year.
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