Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Bolivia Orders 140 Days of Preventive Detention for Ex‑President Arce’s Son in Illicit‑Proceeds Probe

The ruling follows an ex officio investigation built on financial‑intelligence reports of unexplained wealth.

Overview

  • A Santa Cruz anti‑corruption court ordered Marcelo Arce Mosqueira held for 140 days pending investigation and directed his transfer to Palmasola prison.
  • Prosecutors widened the case to the Arce family, examining six bank loans totaling about US$9.1 million involving siblings Rafael and Camila.
  • Police say they seized US$16,500, 40,000 bolivianos, a pickup truck, and a YPFB‑branded helmet after detaining Arce following a vehicle pursuit with four companions.
  • The financial‑intelligence unit reports Arce is linked to 18 properties and 20 vehicles, and officials allege he used fronts and posed as a YPFB official.
  • The defense calls the detention excessive, protesters confronted Arce outside court, and YPFB’s president alleged a Bs1,000 million embezzlement tied to biodiesel contracts under audit.