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NewsWPLG Local 10 – EspañolAugust 28, 2026Miami-Dade

Ecuadorian court delivers verdict in corruption case against former President Lenín Moreno

A National Court of Justice tribunal is reading the verdict in a corruption trial where former President Lenín Moreno is accused of accepting bribes from the Chinese firm Sinohydro. Moreno, along with several family members, faces allegations of participating in a bribery network that allegedly siphoned 4% of the construction costs for the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant.

corruptionjudiciarypoliticsEcuador
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Español

Why It Matters

The outcome of this trial determines the legal status and potential imprisonment of a former head of state, impacting public trust and the accountability of high-ranking officials in Ecuador.

Key Facts

  • The prosecution has requested a sentence of six years and six months in prison for Lenín Moreno.
  • Due to his age (73) and physical disability, Moreno would be eligible for house arrest if convicted.
  • The alleged corruption network operated between 2008 and 2018.
  • Prosecutors allege bribes equaled 4% of the total construction value of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant.
  • The Coca Codo Sinclair project cost approximately 2 billion dollars and was completed in 2016.
  • Moreno is accused alongside his wife, daughter, two brothers, and a brother-in-law.
  • Moreno returned to Ecuador in May after living in Paraguay for five years to face the trial.
  • The hydroelectric plant has been subject to criticism regarding structural failures.

Who's Mentioned

organizationSinohydro“Chinese company accused of paying bribes for the Coca Codo Sinclair project.”personRafael Correa“Former President of Ecuador (2007-2017).”organizationCorte Nacional de Justicia“The court presiding over the corruption trial.”personJorge Glas“Former Vice President currently serving a prison sentence for corruption.”locationCoca Codo Sinclair“Hydroelectric plant project at the center of the corruption allegations.”personLenín Moreno“Former President of Ecuador (2017-2021) accused of corruption.”