La Paz.- The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Bolivia reported this Monday that it has filed a formal indictment against Rafael Arce Mosqueira, the second son of former president Luis Arce, as part of an investigation into alleged illicit enrichment, due to the purchase of numerous real estate properties and “unusual” bank transactions.
The prosecutor in the case, Miguel Cardozo, told the media in La Paz that on July 29, “a conclusive formal indictment resolution” was issued against Rafael Arce, whose whereabouts are unknown, for the alleged crime of “illicit enrichment of private individuals with impact on the State.”
The accusation was filed “based on the fact that unusual movements have been established in their bank accounts and the disposal of these assets,” he explained.
According to Cardozo, during the investigation stage, “more than 30 pieces of evidence were collected that demonstrate” that Rafael Arce “committed the criminal act“.
The prosecutor mentioned that, for example, it was established that the son of former President Arce (2020-2025) bought real estate in La Paz for 750,000 dollars and acquired seven others in the eastern region of Santa Cruz.
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In addition, it was verified that he made bank transactions for 20 million bolivianos (1.6 million dollars at the current exchange rate), which “does not align” with the “lawful activity he supposedly performed” and for which he received a monthly salary of 9,000 bolivianos (about 745 dollars), the official noted.
The Prosecutor’s Office announced that it will request eight years in prison for Rafael Arce, which is the maximum penalty for illicit enrichment.
Rafael Arce was declared in contempt of court for failing to appear before the Justice system; there is an arrest warrant against him and an “Interpol red notice” has also been activated.
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The 26-year-old man is charged in another case for alleged money laundering due to the supposed possession of assets resulting from illegal actions, a process in which Camila Arce Mosqueira, the youngest daughter of Luis Arce whose whereabouts are unknown, is also being investigated.
The former president has been held in a La Paz prison since December, accused of alleged corruption for having authorized, while he was Minister of Economy and Finance under Evo Morales (2006-2019), the transfer of state funds to private accounts of peasant leaders for projects that turned out to be unsuccessful.
His eldest son, Marcelo Arce Mosqueira, has been in preventive detention in Santa Cruz since last March due to a case involving alleged money laundering, in which his siblings Rafael and Camila, as well as the former president, are also being investigated.
