Hydropower Bribery Case Leads to Prison Term for Ecuador’s Ex‑Leader

Ecuador’s highest court sentenced former president Lenín Moreno to five years behind bars after a lengthy bribery investigation related to the country’s most expensive hydroelectric venture. The case centers on the Kokako‑Codo Sinclair plant, constructed by China’s state‑run Sinohydro. Prosecutors presented evidence of fabricated consultancy contracts used from 2009 to 2018 to siphon about $761 million through overseas accounts and shell entities. The verdict also strips Moreno of any right to hold public office in the future. Relatives – his wife, daughter, and two brothers – were found complicit and handed prison terms ranging from 2½ to five years. Former Chinese envoy Cai Runguo received an identical five‑year sentence. Given Moreno’s frail condition, he will serve his term under house arrest, and the court demanded the return of three times the illegally obtained sum within three months.