Police seize over Bs 2 million linked to blockades in La Paz and Cochabamba
The Felcc seized more than two million bolivianos in less than 72 hours in operations in La Paz and Cochabamba. Four criminal proceedings were opened for money laundering.
Four criminal cases following large-scale seizure linked to blockades
The Special Force to Combat Crime (Felcc) succeeded in seizing more than two million bolivianos within a period of less than 72 hours, through operations carried out in the departments of La Paz and Cochabamba. According to El Deber, the funds are being investigated for alleged money laundering and could be related to the financing of blockades installed on various roads throughout the country.
The national director of the Felcc, Colonel Marcelo Boris Sánchez, confirmed the opening of four criminal proceedings: three in La Paz and one in Cochabamba. The proceedings were initiated after detecting sums of money of unknown origin in the hands of different individuals.
"In recent days we have proceeded with the seizure and also the opening of cases for money laundering, both in Cochabamba and in this department of La Paz, in different amounts and involving different individuals," Sánchez declared.
The individuals involved were placed at the disposal of the corresponding judicial authorities, who determined the legal measures applicable in each case, while investigations continue to establish the origin of the funds and their possible destination.
Hypothesis about protest financing, still without conclusion
When asked whether the money was intended to sustain the mobilisations and blockades active in various regions, Colonel Sánchez noted that this hypothesis forms part of the inquiry, but clarified that there is as yet no definitive conclusion on the matter.
"Yes, this case was opened for the crime of money laundering and we cannot be precise about what purpose was going to be given to these funds," the police authority stated.
The investigative work is aimed at three objectives: to determine the source of the money, to identify those responsible, and to establish whether there is a connection with illicit activities or with the financing of social pressure actions.
Background and continuity of controls
The four cases remain in the investigative stage. Sánchez clarified that these interventions are not the only ones carried out in recent weeks: previous operations also made it possible to seize sums of money and activate judicial proceedings.
"We have cases from previous weeks as well, where the seizure of these funds has been possible and they have also been able to be prosecuted," he stated.
The authorities announced that they will continue with financial and operational controls aimed at detecting suspicious money movements, whilst investigations advance to clarify the origin of the more than two million bolivianos seized and determine their possible link to the blockades affecting various regions of the country.
Source: El Deber