Bolivian Senator clarifies stolen vehicles will not be legalized

Bolivian Senator Nicanor Cochi has clarified that a proposed law to regularize undocumented vehicles in Bolivia will not include cars stolen in Chile, Argentina, or Brazil. Cochi stated that any vehicles identified as stolen through official records will be excluded from the legalization process and will instead be returned to their countries of origin.

The announcement follows concerns raised by a delegation of four Chilean senators who traveled to Bolivia to discuss the potential for stolen vehicles to be laundered through the new regulatory framework. This issue has caused significant anxiety in northern Chile, particularly in the Arica, Tarapacá, and Antofagasta regions, following recent incidents such as the theft of municipal vehicles from Putre that were moved across the border.

To strengthen border controls and prevent stolen vehicles from being registered, Cochi has formally requested a database of reported stolen vehicles from Chilean legislators. Additionally, the senator questioned the effectiveness of Chilean security and border controls, asking how stolen vehicles are able to exit the country despite existing police mechanisms.