Former minister Montaño to remain detained for two further months in El Sillar case
La Paz's Second Criminal Chamber revoked alternative measures for former minister Edgar Montaño. The economic damage under investigation exceeds 425 million dollars.
Court revokes alternative measures for Montaño in road construction case
According to reduno.com.bo, former Public Works Minister Edgar Montaño Rojas will continue in preventive detention for two further months, following the Second Criminal Chamber of the La Paz Departmental Court of Justice revoking on Friday the ruling that had granted him alternative measures in the framework of the El Sillar case.
The decision was adopted at a hearing on incidental appeal of precautionary measures. The General Prosecutor's Office (PGE), together with other State departments, argued in favour of maintaining the former minister's preventive detention. The ruling that was set aside corresponds to Auto No. 106/2026, issued on 3 November.
The court set 30 December 2026 for a new hearing to verify Montaño's legal situation.
Irregularities in El Sillar construction
The judicial process originated from a complaint filed by the Bolivian Roads Administrator (ABC) regarding alleged irregularities in the construction of the dual carriageway section El Sillar, on the road connecting Cochabamba with Santa Cruz. The works were carried out through a contract with Chinese company Sinohydro Corporation Limited.
Among the aspects under investigation are extensions of deadlines and modifications to the original route, circumstances that are said to have resulted in structural failures in the road infrastructure.
Economic damage estimated at over 425 million dollars
The investigation points to an alleged economic damage exceeding 425 million dollars. The offences under investigation include anti-economic conduct and breach of duties, linked to the technical and financial oversight of the project.
The General Prosecutor's Office stated that it will continue to exercise its constitutional mandate to defend the interests of the State, safeguard public resources and seek the recovery of Bolivian citizens' patrimony.
Source: Google News BO — La Paz