Bolivia’s Ex-President Luis Arce Detained in Embezzlement Probe

Bolivia’s former President Luis Arce, who stepped down last month, was taken into police custody on Wednesday as part of an expanding corruption investigation, according to Attorney General Roger Mariaca. Authorities say Arce is expected to stand trial over alleged embezzlement tied to his earlier role as economy minister, rather than actions taken during his presidency. Mariaca emphasized that Arce will first be brought before a judicial authority and formally charged, after which a judge will determine whether he can defend himself while free or must remain in custody during the legal process.

The Bolivian Ministry of Government separately confirmed Arce’s arrest, noting that investigators are examining irregular fund disbursements that were intended to support development projects for Indigenous communities. Local reports indicate that evidence presented in the case may directly link Arce to the misappropriation of public money during the period when he served under former President Evo Morales. If routine procedures are followed, Arce is expected to stay in detention overnight and appear before a precautionary measures judge on Thursday.

Arce’s detention comes at a politically sensitive moment for Bolivia. Just weeks earlier, centrist leader Rodrigo Paz secured victory in the October runoff election, ending nearly 20 years of influence by the leftist MAS party, which Arce represented. Paz has publicly committed to strengthening anti-corruption efforts within government institutions, further intensifying national attention surrounding the case.

Maria Nela Prada, who served as minister to the presidency under Arce, argued that the former leader’s arrest may be politically motivated. She said Arce may simply have been called to testify regarding alleged misuse of state resources and insisted on his innocence, describing the situation as an “abuse of power.” However, Mariaca rejected claims of political persecution, maintaining that the investigation is proceeding according to legal standards.

This developing case is expected to shape Bolivia’s political landscape as authorities prepare to move forward with formal charges.