Bolivian authorities investigate Fernando Cerimedo in multiple cases

Bolivian authorities are expanding investigations into Argentine consultant Fernando Cerimedo, who faces multiple legal challenges. The La Paz Departmental Prosecutor's Office has summoned Jorge Franz García Pinto, the Vice Minister of Indigenous Justice, to testify as a witness in an investigation into alleged illicit enrichment affecting the state.

Cerimedo is currently held in preventive detention. In addition to the enrichment investigation, he faces a case for attempted femicide in Santa Cruz and an investigation in Beni regarding the alleged trafficking of controlled substances and conspiracy. The Beni investigation was triggered by reports and testimony from activist Nadia Beller concerning irregular flights in the Santa Ana del Yacuma municipality.

Cerimedo’s defense attorney, Ramiro Vega, has filed evidence with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Vega claims that Attorney General Roger Mariaca was aware of complaints regarding irregular flights linked to drug trafficking in Beni. The defense argues that the current investigations against Cerimedo are politically motivated and that the prosecutor's office failed to act on previous reports made by Cerimedo regarding the unauthorized use of his name and that of Interior Minister Antonio Oviedo in flight operations.