An Ecuadorian court has found former President Lenin Moreno guilty of bribery, sentencing him to five years in prison and permanently barring him from holding public office. The conviction is linked to a corruption case involving the construction of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, Ecuador's largest such facility.

The investigation, launched by the attorney general's office in March 2023, implicated Moreno, his family members, and business partners in an alleged corruption network. The Coca Codo Sinclair plant, which began operations in 2016, has reportedly experienced technical issues.

Prosecutors alleged that the Chinese state-owned firm Sinohydro paid approximately $76.1 million in bribes between 2009 and 2018 through fraudulent consulting contracts. Judge Manuel Cabrera, leading the tribunal, stated that Moreno's conduct aligned with the charges of bribery attributed to a public official.

Moreno's wife and daughter, as well as his two brothers and their wives, also received convictions and were sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Cai Runguo, China's former ambassador to Quito, was also handed a five-year sentence in connection with the case.

Investigators detailed that funds were allegedly moved through overseas accounts and shell companies in tax havens before reaching Moreno's family and associates. Prosecutors contend that Moreno and his close relatives received over $1 million during his tenure as vice president from 2007 to 2013.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Moreno has maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in signing or overseeing the project's contracts. During the hearing, he reportedly told the court to "look at those who signed the contracts, at those who had the habit of demanding kickbacks."

Moreno, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, returned to Ecuador from Paraguay specifically to face trial. The conviction marks a significant moment for Ecuador, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat corruption within its political and business spheres.

The case raises questions about accountability for large-scale infrastructure projects and the role of international companies in potential corruption schemes. Further legal appeals or investigations may follow as the implications of this verdict unfold.