Bolivia gold smuggling scandal draws political accusations against presidential adviser

Bolivian authorities seized about 182 kilograms of gold seized at Viru Viru International Airport, destined for Dubai, after irregularities were found in documentation issued by the mining ministry. The case has become a political flashpoint. Deputy Luis Alberto Ruiz of Santa Cruz called for a criminal investigation of presidential adviser Fernando Cerimedo, alleging his involvement in a transnational network that traffics gold and links to the so‑called “clan Franco”. Ruiz urged President Rodrigo Paz to distance himself from Cerimedo, stating, “For his own good, the president should get rid of the clan Franco and order the government minister to investigate and hand over his adviser to the Public Ministry.”

Former president Evo Morales described the incident as an internal “swap between ministers,” saying it reflects a power struggle among the executive branch’s ministries, including customs, the airport authority, the mining ministry and the police. Morales linked the gold case to other recent scandals involving narcotics‑laden cargo, illicit timber shipments and unauthorized cash flights, insisting the investigation remains open.