Roger Mariaca corruption allegations spark legislative investigation

Allegations of a political influence network involving former Attorney General Roger Mariaca have sparked controversy within Bolivia's Legislative Assembly. Viceminister of Interior and Police, Peter Maldonado, claimed Mariaca established a power structure within both chambers of the Assembly, allegedly using monthly payments in dollars to secure political protection and legal defense. The accusations also suggest involvement with complicit judges, police officers, and money laundering through real estate.

In response, regional authorities, including Santa Cruz Vice-Governor Paola Aguirre, have demanded that the government provide concrete evidence and name the specific legislators allegedly involved. Aguirre emphasized that the Attorney General's Office must remain independent from the Legislative Branch.

In a related development, Captain of Police Gonzalo M., a former aide to Mariaca, has been ordered to serve four months of preventive detention in Sucre. He is under investigation for alleged illicit enrichment and money laundering. Prosecutors reported finding a briefcase containing approximately 1,007,200 Bolivianos and noted that weapons were also discovered within the Attorney General's Office facilities.