Former Bolivian President Luis Arce was detained on Wednesday as part of an investigation into alleged embezzlement tied to his tenure as economy minister. Attorney General Roger Mariaca confirmed that Arce will face a regular trial because the suspected irregularities occurred before his presidency. Authorities said he will be brought before a judicial authority, where charges will be formally presented.
According to Bolivia’s Ministry of Government, Arce’s arrest is linked to a corruption probe involving alleged irregular disbursements from a fund meant for Indigenous community development projects. Local media reports indicate investigators have presented evidence connecting Arce to the misappropriation of public funds. If standard procedures are followed, he is expected to remain in custody overnight and appear before a precautionary measures judge on Thursday.
The arrest comes shortly after centrist leader Rodrigo Paz won the October runoff election, ending nearly 20 years of MAS party dominance. Former minister Maria Nela Prada defended Arce, calling the detention an “abuse of power,” while Mariaca rejected claims of political persecution. The new administration has pledged to address corruption across state institutions.
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