Full Breakdown
Ecuadorian Court Convicts Former President Lenín Moreno of Bribery in Sinohydro Hydro Plant Case
8/29/2026, 9:20:11 PM
Conviction and Sentencing
On August 28, 2026, Ecuador’s National Court of Justice (CNJ) found former President Lenín Moreno guilty of *cohecho* (bribery) as a direct author. The three-judge tribunal sentenced him to five years, to be served under house arrest because of his permanent physical disability, and imposed a permanent disqualification from public office. His wife Rocío González, daughter Irina Moreno, two brothers and several associates received terms ranging from 30 months to two years. The court also ordered collective reparation exceeding US $163 million.
Background of the Coca Codo Sinclair Project
The Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, Ecuador’s largest power project, was built by Chinese state-owned Sinohydro. Construction began in 2010; the plant was handed over to the government in 2016 under a contract valued at US $1.979 billion. Technical criticisms of the dam were not part of the criminal trial.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- May 6, 2026 – Moreno returned to Quito from Paraguay to face the investigation.
- July 10, 2026 – Tribunal began a 31-day evidentiary phase.
- August 28, 2026 – Verdict and sentencing announced.
Financial Scope of the Bribery Scheme
The Attorney General’s Office reported that Sinohydro paid approximately US $76.1 million in illicit funds between 2009 and 2018, routed through fraudulent consulting contracts, overseas accounts and shell companies—about 4 % of the contract value. More than US $1 million was alleged to have reached Moreno’s close relatives during his vice-presidential tenure (2007-2013).
Official Statements & Responses
- Judge Manuel Cabrera said Moreno’s conduct matched the bribery charge.
- Moreno denied wrongdoing, claiming he never signed or oversaw the contracts and accusing former President Rafael Correa and former Vice-President Jorge Glas of influencing the award.
Criticism from Political Opponents
Former President Rafael Correa labeled Moreno a “delinquent” and “scoundrel,” accusing the judiciary of being swayed by “media friends and power brokers.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Lenin Moreno's conduct is consistent with the charges brought by the prosecution: the crime of bribery attributed to a public official,” — Judge Manuel Cabrera
- “A word of advice to the prosecutor: you’re looking in the wrong place. Look at those who signed the contracts, at those who had the habit of demanding kickbacks, you’re looking in the wrong place,” — Lenin Moreno
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media outlets have rounded the bribe total to US $76 million and the contract value to “about $2 billion.” Official figures are US $76.1 million and US $1.979 billion. No source detailed how the US $163 million reparation figure was calculated across defendants.
What’s Next
The ruling is a first-instance decision and is not final. Moreno intends to appeal; a written judgment will follow the oral verdict, and the appeal will be heard by a different chamber of the National Court of Justice.
