# Bolivian Police leadership and corruption investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bolivian-police-leadership-and-corruption-investigation
> Updated: 2026-09-02T23:22:49.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 3.

In late August 2026, Bolivian Police General Commander Mirko Sokol was praised by U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Erik Martini as a “true fighter against crime.” However, Sokol soon resigned following a Public Ministry investigation into leaked “audios” allegedly detailing the collection of up to $2 million to influence police assignments. Vice President Edmand Lara filed a complaint against Sokol for extortion, passive bribery, and illicit enrichment.

Sokol maintains the recordings were “taken out of context during an academic session regarding corruption within the institution.” His lawyer, Abel Loma, characterized the resignation as a “victory for corrupt elements and organized crime,” claiming Sokol was targeted for fighting irregular practices. Following the resignation, President Rodrigo Paz appointed Colonel Adrián Javier Álvarez Arismendi as interim General Commander, alongside Colonel Roger Roca Saavedra as Subcommander General and Colonel Franz William Cabrera Quispe as Inspector General. Álvarez has pledged to combat organized crime and narcoterrorism while managing the force during a state of exception.

Recent developments include further claims from Abel Loma, who stated Sokol resigned to defend himself from legal and media attacks outside his official capacity rather than due to internal pressure. Loma alleged Sokol had specifically targeted a group known as the “Golden Boys” to combat the illegal trading of positions. Additionally, lawyer Marco Borda has called for a structural reorganization of the police, citing concerns over the mismanagement of traffic fine revenues and persistent allegations that money is exchanged for official appointments.

## Claims

- General Mirko Sokol resigned from his position as Commander General of the Bolivian Police after nine months in office. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The Public Ministry is investigating Sokol regarding leaked audio recordings involving alleged corruption and influence peddling. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Minister of Government Marco Antonio Oviedo confirmed the resignation and the appointment of new interim leadership. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The new interim commander pledged to fight organized crime, drug trafficking, and corruption. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The government has designated Roger Roca Saavedra as subcommander and Franz Williams Cabrera Quispe as inspector general. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Sokol's lawyer claimed his departure is a victory for corruption and drug trafficking interests within the police force. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Bolivian lawmakers have called for a formal investigation into Sokol following his resignation and the audio leaks. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Bolivian Police face scrutiny following Commander Mirko Sokol's resignation

Former Bolivian Police Commander Mirko Sokol’s lawyer attributes his resignation to a defamation campaign, while legal experts call for investigations into police corruption and traffic fine mismanagement.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivian-police-face-scrutiny-following-commander-mirko-sokols-resignation

### 2026-08-31: Bolivian Police appoint Adrián Álvarez as interim Commander General

Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz has appointed Colonel Adrián Álvarez as interim Police Commander following the resignation of General Mirko Sokol amid corruption investigations and audio leaks.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mirko-sokol-resigns-as-bolivian-police-general-commander

### 2026-08-28: U.S. diplomat praises Bolivian Police Commander Mirko Sokol

U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Erik Martini met with Bolivian Police Commander General Mirko Sokol, praising his efforts against organized crime as bilateral security cooperation strengthens.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-diplomat-praises-bolivian-police-commander-mirko-sokol

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Cite as: Bolivian Police leadership and corruption investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bolivian-police-leadership-and-corruption-investigation