Bolivia seizes 189 kg of gold at Viru Viru airport as export fraud investigation expands

Customs officials at Viru Viru International Airport detained four suitcases containing about 189 kg of gold that was slated for export to Dubai. The shipment lacked a valid export authorization in the SUMA system, and the QR code on the Senarecom document could not be read, prompting the seizure and a criminal probe.

Investigations have linked the cargo to the La Paz‑based firm Dorado SRL (Emporio Dorado) and identified a 22‑year‑old male suspect, Adrián L. R., who remains in custody. Prosecutors have asked a court to impose a 180‑day preventive detention while they verify the alleged missing 22 kg of gold and examine why five of the six original detainees were released. The gold is valued at roughly US$25 million, and the case has drawn involvement from the FELCC, the Ministry of Government, and other security agencies.