Bolivian corruption and institutional misuse investigations

Bolivia has initiated multiple legal actions against former officials involving allegations of corruption and institutional misuse.

In one investigation, the government filed a criminal complaint against 19 individuals, including four former Defense Ministers spanning the administrations of Evo Morales, Jeanine Áñez, and Luis Arce. The complaint concerns irregularities in the procurement of the Integrated Air Defense and Air Traffic Control System (SIDACTA), with an alleged economic loss exceeding Bs 1,478 million. An internal audit identified issues with contract modifications and equipment functionality, noting that despite a “turnkey” contract, only two radars were reportedly functioning.

Separately, the Financial Investigations Unit (UIF) announced legal actions against former officials from the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party. The UIF director, Diego Alejandro Barbosa, alleged the existence of a network used for financial extortion, blackmail, and political persecution against entrepreneurs and political opponents. The investigation suggests the UIF and the Public Ministry may have been used to influence elections, specifically citing instances in 2019. Accused former officials have dismissed these claims as political persecution.