# Arrest of Fernando Cerimedo in Bolivia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/arrest-of-fernando-cerimedo-in-bolivia
> Updated: 2026-08-18T16:38:49.000Z. Sources: 90. Developments: 2.

Fernando Cerimedo, an Argentine political consultant and former advisor to Javier Milei and Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, was arrested at Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. He was apprehended by the Special Force to Fight Crime (FELCC) while attempting to board a flight to Buenos Aires.

Cerimedo is accused by Bolivian prosecutors of being the mastermind who hired hitmen for an attempted murder targeting Nadia Beller, a Bolivian lawyer, political activist, and his former partner. On the night of August 17, two assailants disguised as food delivery riders on a motorcycle shot Beller three times at point-blank range near the Swiss Hotel in Santa Cruz. The shots struck her in the chest, neck, and arm.

Beller, who is reportedly four weeks pregnant, survived the attack by pretending to be dead. She underwent emergency surgery to remove 9mm projectiles and remains in intensive care under police guard in stable condition. She has also claimed that the attackers stole her mobile phone, which she believes contained evidence of corruption and details regarding the attack.

In addition to the attack, Beller has leveled accusations against Cerimedo regarding prior physical violence, including a previous choking incident, and alleged that he exerts “significant behind-the-scenes influence” over the Bolivian government. Bolivian Prosecutor General Róger Mariaca confirmed the apprehension, noting that the prosecution will seek preventive detention for the crime of attempted femicide due to risks of flight and obstruction of justice. Beller has formally requested protection from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

## Claims

- Fernando Cerimedo was arrested at Viru Viru airport while attempting to fly to Buenos Aires. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- Two attackers disguised as delivery workers shot Beller near a hotel. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Nadia Beller is approximately four weeks pregnant. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Nadia Beller survived the shooting by pretending to be dead. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Security cameras recorded the two individuals who carried out the attack. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Fernando Cerimedo denies allegations of violence in the relationship. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Nadia Beller accused Cerimedo of exercising influence within the Bolivian government. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Nadia Beller claims Cerimedo falsely told her she would have police protection. (single source)
- Fernando Cerimedo has been apprehended for the crime of attempted femicide. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Fernando Cerimedo arrested in Bolivia for attempted femicide

Argentine consultant Fernando Cerimedo was arrested in Bolivia for the alleged attempted femicide of his ex-partner, Nadia Beller, who survived a shooting by pretending to be dead.

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-cerimedo-arrested-in-bolivia-for-attempted-murder

### 2026-08-16: Fernando Cerimedo arrested in Bolivia following attack on Nadia Beller

Argentine political consultant Fernando Cerimedo was arrested at Bolivia's Viru Viru airport following an armed attack on activist Nadia Beller in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

66 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-ros-province-hit-by-wave-of-gang-related-killings

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Cite as: Arrest of Fernando Cerimedo in Bolivia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/arrest-of-fernando-cerimedo-in-bolivia