Quito | August 29, 2026
Former Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno has been sentenced to five years in prison after a court found him guilty of accepting bribes from a Chinese company in connection with a hydroelectric power project.
The verdict was delivered on Friday, August 28, with Moreno present during the reading of the decision.
Moreno Convicted in Bribery Case
The case centred on allegations that Moreno accepted bribes from Chinese company Sinohydro in exchange for helping the company secure a contract to construct one of Ecuador's hydroelectric plants.
The court found Moreno guilty of corruption and imposed a five-year prison sentence.
Moreno, 73, has a physical disability that prevents him from walking. He will serve the sentence under house arrest, according to the court's decision.
Case Highlights Risks Around Public Contracts
The conviction has drawn attention to corruption risks associated with major infrastructure projects, particularly contracts involving large public investments.
Hydroelectric projects can involve substantial government spending, complex procurement arrangements and multiple contractors, making transparency and financial oversight important throughout the contracting process.
For companies involved in infrastructure and international business, strong financial controls and transparent record-keeping are essential. Professional auditing services in india can help organisations review financial systems, identify control weaknesses and improve accountability in financial operations.
Moreno's conviction marks a significant development in a corruption case involving a former head of state and a major infrastructure contract.