Ecuador’s Former President Lenin Moreno to Face Bribery Trial

The former South American leader is accused of receiving bribes connected to the construction of the Coca Codo Sinclair power plant.

Former Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno is set to stand trial for alleged bribery related to the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric power plant, with accusations that he favored the Chinese firm Sinohydro for contracts in exchange for approximately $76 million in bribes. Judge Olavo Hernandez has ruled that the prosecution can proceed, despite Moreno’s denial of wrongdoing. Prosecutors claim Moreno and his family created a corruption network while he served as vice president from 2007 to 2013. Moreno, currently residing in Paraguay, asserts that he is a victim of political persecution by his predecessor’s supporters.