Detained for 180 days over violent land seizures in Las Londras, northern Santa Cruz
A judge ordered 180 days of preventive detention for Vicente O.J., investigated for illegal land occupations in northern Santa Cruz. Two police officers identified him in hearing as perpetrators of kidnapping and beatings.
Preventive imprisonment for land seizures on rural properties in northern Cruz
Bolivian courts imposed 180 days of preventive detention against Vicente O. J., accused of participating in violent land seizures in the Las Londras area and other properties in northern Santa Cruz, reported El Deber. The measure will be served at the Montero Productive Rehabilitation Centre (Cerprom), as confirmed by the police commander, Edson Fernández.
In the bail hearing, two police officers identified the defendant and testified that they had been kidnapped, beaten and robbed of their belongings during the incidents under investigation, according to lawyer Álvaro Latorre.
The accused was arrested on Thursday by intelligence agents as he was leaving the facilities of the National Institute of Agrarian Reform (INRA), in compliance with a judicial order linked to the Las Londras case.
The charges he faces include attempted homicide, criminal association, serious and minor injuries, aggravated theft, illicit possession and carrying of weapons, as well as destruction or deterioration of state property.
Among the background to the case is an incident recorded on 17 June 2026, when a group of armed people allegedly entered rural properties with the aim of occupying approximately 70 hectares.
The investigation extends beyond Las Londras: Vicente O. J. is also under investigation for alleged land seizures on the properties Santa Martha, Sant Agro, Los Siervos and Santa Rita. The owner of the latter property previously identified him as someone who supposedly mobilised groups linked to the illegal occupations.
The legal process seeks to establish the participation of those under investigation and determine the corresponding criminal responsibilities.
Source: El Deber