Bolivia Arrests Ex-President Arce in Widening Corruption Inquiry

Former Bolivian president Luis Arce was detained on Wednesday in La Paz as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption, including possible misuse of public funds during his earlier tenure as economy minister.

The arrest, confirmed by the Attorney General’s Office, marks a significant turn in Bolivia’s political landscape and follows weeks of speculation about potential charges tied to state development programs.

Prosecutors said Arce is under investigation for irregular disbursements from a fund created to support indigenous development projects and rural communities. Authorities allege that several allocations approved under his supervision lacked proper documentation and may have benefited intermediaries rather than designated groups.

• Bolivia arrests former president Luis Arce amid expanding corruption investigation
• Prosecutors probe alleged misuse of indigenous development funds under Arce’s oversight
• Arce’s detention deepens political tensions as government defends inquiry’s legitimacy

Officials emphasized that evidence collected over recent months justified taking the former Bolivian president into custody and presenting him before a judge to determine precautionary measures.

Arce’s allies, including former minister Maria Nela Prada, condemned the move as abrupt and politically motivated. They argued that Arce had not been formally summoned to provide testimony before his detention and accused the new administration of weaponizing legal institutions to weaken opponents. Supporters gathered outside police facilities in La Paz, calling for transparency in the proceedings and access for Arce’s legal team.

The government of President Rodrigo Paz, who assumed office after defeating Arce in November, has insisted that the investigation predates the election and is based solely on financial audits and witness statements. Senior officials stated that the case reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing concerns about corruption in Bolivia and oversight of state agencies.

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Arce, who led the country from 2020 until early November, remains a prominent figure within the Movement for Socialism (MAS). His arrest increases tension within an already polarized Bolivian political environment, with both supporters and critics viewing the case as a test of judicial independence. A hearing is expected within days, during which prosecutors will outline the charges and request conditions for Arce’s continued detention or release.