Bolivia detains attorney general over money laundering, drug trafficking suspicions
Bolivian authorities have detained the country's attorney general, Roger Mariaca, on suspicion of involvement in money laundering and drug trafficking. The arrest came shortly after the US revoked his visa.
Bolivia's attorney general, Roger Mariaca, was detained on Wednesday in the city of Santa Cruz on suspicion of money laundering and drug trafficking, Interior Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo announced on Thursday.
The arrest came two days after the United States revoked Mariaca's visa, citing possible links to drug trafficking networks. Also detained was Santa Cruz's top regional prosecutor, Alberto Zeballos, who has likewise been sanctioned by Washington.
Allegations of a criminal organization
The interior minister said law enforcement had uncovered and dismantled a criminal organization embedded within the judicial system. According to Oviedo, the attorney general's office under Mariaca had turned into a structure designed to protect and sustain narco-terrorism.
Mariaca took office as attorney general in October 2024.
Context — closer ties with Washington
The development comes as Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, who took office in November 2025, seeks to strengthen relations with the United States. In March this year, Bolivia joined the US-led Latin American alliance known as the "Americas Shield," aimed at combating international organized crime, particularly drug trafficking.
