Bolivia Lake Titicaca fish farm corruption investigation

Bolivian authorities are investigating alleged corruption and economic damages involving a fish farm project in Lake Titicaca, specifically within the San Pedro de Tiquina municipality. The investigation centers on a significant discrepancy between disbursed funds and physical construction progress.

Initially, reports indicated that former Vice Minister of Industrialization Policies Luis Siles Castro was apprehended for alleged dereliction of duty and anti-economic conduct. The project, managed by the Food Production Support Company (Emapa), involved an investment of approximately 75.4 million bolivianos. While the contractor had received nearly 80% of the budget, inspections suggested work was only 20% to 40% complete.

Subsequent developments show that prosecutors are investigating economic damages exceeding Bs 40 million. Investigators found that approximately 90% of the contract had been paid despite physical progress being below 30%. The probe targets former Emapa general manager Franklin Flores and Luis Siles, the latter of whom has been placed in preventive detention for four months. The Public Ministry intends to expand the investigation to identify other officials involved in oversight failures and unauthorized disbursements.