Former Ecuadorian president Lenín Moreno sentenced to five years for corruption

A court in Quito found former Ecuadorian president Lenín Moreno and 19 others guilty of corruption related to a bribery scheme involving Chinese state-owned firm Sinohydro. The scheme secured the construction of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric dam. Moreno, who served from 2017 to 2021, was sentenced to five years in prison, to be served under house arrest due to his age and disability. He denies the charges and plans to appeal. Prosecutors alleged Sinohydro paid $76.1 million through shell companies to individuals involved in the deal. Moreno's wife, daughter, brother, former plant managers, Sinohydro representatives, and a Chinese ambassador were also sentenced. Those convicted must repay three times the bribes received, and Moreno is barred from public office. Moreno blamed former president Rafael Correa, who approved the project, and noted he launched an investigation into construction issues. The Ecuadorian government had reached a $400 million settlement with Sinohydro's owner earlier this year over dam defects.