Lenín Moreno

Lenín Moreno, who served as President of Ecuador from 2017 to 2021, is currently standing trial for bribery (cohecho) in connection with the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project. Prosecutors allege that between 2009 and 2018, during his time as vice president and president, Moreno and his family were part of a corruption scheme in which the Chinese company Sinohydro paid approximately $76 million in bribes to secure government contracts. The prosecution contends that Moreno’s family members received over $1 million of these funds through illicit transfers and gifts, while an associate, Conto Patiño, allegedly funneled nearly $59 million. Moreno has denied all wrongdoing, characterizing the trial as a politically motivated vendetta by supporters of former President Rafael Correa. The trial, which began in May 2026, involves 20 other defendants. Previous reports also referenced investigations into money laundering and illicit enrichment related to offshore accounts and luxury purchases, though current proceedings focus on the bribery charges.