A court in Ecuador has handed down a five-year prison sentence to former President Lenín Moreno after finding him guilty of corruption. The case centered on allegations that Moreno and his associates accepted bribes in exchange for favorable treatment regarding the construction of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric dam, a project managed by the Chinese firm Sinohydro.

Prosecutors argued that the former president utilized his position to facilitate the deal, which has been a subject of intense scrutiny in Ecuadorian politics for several years. The conviction marks a significant moment in the country's ongoing efforts to address systemic corruption involving high-ranking officials. Moreno, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the legal proceedings against him as politically motivated. The sentencing is expected to have further repercussions on the political landscape in Ecuador, where public trust in government institutions remains a central issue. Legal experts note that the case highlights the complexities of international infrastructure contracts and the challenges of prosecuting former heads of state.