Background on Lenín Moreno and His Relevance
Lenín Moreno served as the President of Ecuador from 2017 to 2021, succeeding Rafael Correa, who held office from 2007 to 2017. Moreno’s political trajectory shifted when he distanced himself from Correa after taking office. Since 2021, Moreno has resided in Paraguay, where he serves as a commissioner for Disability Affairs at the Organization of American States (OEA).
The Sinohydro Case and Accusations
On Monday, Ecuador’s Attorney General (Fiscalía de Ecuador) accused Lenín Moreno and 24 others, including his wife and daughter, of accepting bribes from a Chinese company (Sinohydro) in exchange for a contract to build a hydroelectric plant in Ecuador. The case, known as Sinohydro, involves allegations of corruption spanning from 2009 to 2018, centered around the construction of the Coca-Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project in the Amazonian provinces of Napo and Sucumbíos.
Details of the Allegations
According to the Attorney General, Sinohydro allegedly paid $76 million in bribes to secure the contract for building Coca-Codo Sinclair, a project initiated during Correa’s government. Correa was convicted in absentia of corruption and sentenced to eight years in prison.
Moreno’s Response and Current Status
Lenín Moreno denies the accusations and has stated that he will not seek asylum in Paraguay. In 2023, a judge ordered Moreno to regularly present himself to authorities while investigations continue.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Lenín Moreno? Lenín Moreno served as the President of Ecuador from 2017 to 2021, succeeding Rafael Correa.
- What is the Sinohydro case? The Sinohydro case involves allegations of corruption related to a hydroelectric project in Ecuador, with accusations that Chinese company Sinohydro paid bribes to secure the construction contract.
- Who else is accused in the case? Besides Lenín Moreno, his wife, daughter, brothers, a close associate, and the former Sinohydro representative in Ecuador are among those accused.
- What is Moreno’s current status? Moreno resides in Paraguay, serving as a commissioner for Disability Affairs at the OEA. He denies the accusations and has stated he will not seek asylum in Paraguay.
