# Bolivian corruption and institutional misuse investigations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bolivian-corruption-and-institutional-misuse-investigations
> Updated: 2026-10-16T23:43:25.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Bolivia's UIF announces legal action against former MAS officials for extortion

Bolivia's UIF director Diego Alejandro Barbosa has announced legal action against former MAS officials for allegedly using the agency to extort businesses and conduct political persecution.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivias-uif-announces-legal-action-against-former-mas-officials-for-extortion

### 2026-10-15: Bolivia files criminal complaint against four former Defense Ministers

Bolivia has filed criminal charges against 19 people, including four former Defense Ministers, over a radar procurement project involving alleged losses of over Bs 1,478 million.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivia-files-criminal-complaint-against-four-former-defense-ministers

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Cite as: Bolivian corruption and institutional misuse investigations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bolivian-corruption-and-institutional-misuse-investigations
