Man arrested in La Paz for impersonating police officer to rob foreign tourists
A suspect was apprehended on Friday in La Paz for extorting tourists while impersonating a police officer. Among the victims are a French citizen and a British national.
Fake police officer arrested in La Paz after extorting tourists with handmade credentials
A man was detained on Friday in the city of La Paz accused of impersonating a police officer to approach and rob foreign tourists of their belongings, reported correodelsur.com. Colonel Jorge Sologuren, of the Special Force to Combat Crime (Felcc), confirmed the arrest and noted that there are six complaints linked to the case, four of which remain active.
Among the identified victims are a French citizen and a British national. The suspect operated in areas of high tourist and commercial activity: Linares and Murillo streets, the Obelisk, and the surroundings of Murillo plaza.
According to the police report, the man acted accompanied by accomplices. He would approach tourists claiming they were implicated in alleged crimes—such as the circulation of counterfeit bills or matters linked to drug trafficking—and convince them to board a vehicle. Once inside, his accomplices would search the wallets and personal objects of the victims, who were subsequently abandoned on the outskirts of the city.
Sologuren detailed that those involved dressed in civilian clothes but carried handmade credentials and police-style badges, items with which they generated trust among foreigners.
During the operation, police intercepted the suspect and seized the vehicle allegedly used in the crimes. Inside it were found objects with police appearance. A British citizen recognised the detainee as the person who had participated in the crime committed against her.
The investigation continues with the collection of security camera footage and witness statements. The case is being investigated for the alleged crimes of usurpation of functions and aggravated robbery.
Source: Google News BO — La Paz