Overview
- Judge Olavo Hernandez of the National Court of Justice ruled on Monday that Moreno must be tried as a direct perpetrator of bribery.
- The case, opened in March 2023, links Moreno, members of his family, and Ecuadorian and Chinese associates to illicit payments.
- Prosecutors say Sinohydro channeled about $76 million in bribes between 2009 and 2018 connected to the Coca Codo Sinclair contract.
- Authorities contend Moreno leveraged his influence to benefit Sinohydro, and the plant has since struggled with significant technical defects.
- Moreno, who resides in Paraguay, denies wrongdoing and says no payments to him have been proven, a situation expected to complicate proceedings.