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3 clusters · 15 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: POLITICS · CRIME

Bolivia gold export fraud and political fallout

Entities: Luis Alberto Ruiz · Bolivian government · Rodrigo Paz · Evo Morales · Fernando Cerimedo

Overview

Bolivian customs seized 189 kg of gold packed in four suitcases at Viru Viru International Airport bound for Dubai. The shipment lacked a valid export authorization in the SUMA system and carried falsified documentation from Senarecom, prompting a criminal probe. Authorities detained 22‑year‑old Adrián L. R. and prosecutors have requested a 180‑day preventive detention.

Investigators later reported that roughly 22 kg of the gold may have vanished while in custody, a loss under investigation by the Special Force against Crime (FELCC) and the Ministry of Mining. The case, valued at about US$25 million, remains open.

The disappearance has become a political flashpoint. Deputy Luis Alberto Ruiz urged a criminal investigation of presidential adviser Fernando Cerimedo, alleging his participation in a transnational gold‑trafficking network linked to the so‑called “clan Franco.” Former president Evo Morales framed the scandal as an internal power struggle among ministries—including customs, the airport authority, mining, and police—while noting parallel investigations into narcotics, timber and cash‑flight scandals.

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Bolivia gold smuggling scandal draws political accusations against presidential adviser

    Bolivia’s seized gold shipment sparked a political scandal, with lawmakers urging investigation of presidential adviser Fernando Cerimedo and former president Evo Morales labeling it a ministerial power fight.

  2. 3 days ago

    [CRIME] 7 sources
    Bolivia probes missing 22 kilos of gold from Viru Viru airport seizure

    Bolivia’s government confirmed that 22 kg of gold may be missing from a seized 189 kg shipment at Viru Viru airport, prompting a criminal investigation and a 180‑day detention request for a 22‑year‑old linkedto

  3. 5 days ago

    [CRIME] 9 sources
    Bolivia seizes 189 kg of gold at Viru Viru airport as export fraud investigation expands

    Bolivia’s customs stopped a 189 kg gold shipment bound for Dubai at Viru Viru airport, citing falsified export documents; investigators linked the cargo to Dorado SRL, a 22‑year‑old was arrested and authorities

Sources

ahoradigital.net · asuntoscentrales.com · cabildeodigital.com · diariodelhuila.com · enfoquems.com.br · exitonoticias.com.bo · folhadoprogresso.com.br · lapatria.bo · lavozdetarija.com · liigume.ee · monteronoticias.com · newsroompanama.com · nexpanama.com · prensa-latina.cu · radiokollasuyo.bo