Bolivia detains attorney general Roger Mariaca

Bolivian police detained attorney general Roger Mariaca in Santa Cruz during an operation that also arrested prosecutor Alberto Zeballos and other officials. The government linked the case to alleged criminal protection for drug traffickers. Mariaca’s office called the detention illegal and said it had not been told why.

• 14 officialsarrested in the operation — Including Mariaca
• 2 daysbetween visa revocation and arrest — According to coverage
• 3 offensesauthorities listed against Mariaca — Including money laundering

Q1

What allegations are authorities pursuing?

Authorities named criminal organization, money laundering and drug-trafficking allegations; Mariaca’s office said it had received no explanation for the detention.

Q2

Who executed the operation?

Bolivian police carried out the raids, while the government said the operation received support from the US Drug Enforcement Administration and other international bodies.

Q3

What else did police do?

Police also entered Public Ministry offices in Sucre, extending the operation beyond the arrests and prompting the institution’s objections.

Q4

Why did scrutiny spread internationally?

The US included Mariaca on a regional list also naming officials and businesspeople in Colombia and Ecuador over several alleged offenses.