Financial Crime World

Bolivia’s Fight Against Money Laundering: Investigation and Extradition

La Paz, Bolivia - The Bolivian government has taken significant steps to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. In this article, we will explore the country’s efforts in investigating and extraditing individuals involved in these crimes.

Investigation into Suspected Money Laundering

The investigation into suspected money laundering was conducted by the Office of the Attorney General, with assistance from various law enforcement agencies including:

  • Technical Judicial Police: Responsible for providing technical expertise to support the investigation.
  • Institute of Forensic Investigation: Conducted forensic analysis of evidence and provided expert testimony.
  • Special Counternarcotics Force (FELCN): Carried out 87 investigations involving assets in 2002.

The investigation also involved international cooperation, with Bolivia signing an interinstitutional agreement with:

  • Office of the Attorney General
  • National Police
  • Financial Information Unit (FIU)

This agreement facilitates coordinated investigations and provides access to expedited means of exchanging data.

Extradition for Money Laundering Offenses

Bolivia’s ability to extradite for money laundering offenses is largely restricted. According to Article 3 of the Penal Code:

  • No person subject to Bolivian jurisdiction may be extradited to another country unless an international treaty or reciprocity agreement specifies otherwise.

However, Bolivia has signed an extradition treaty with the United States, which authorizes extradition for offenses punishable by sentences of more than one year. This treaty also includes provisions for refusing to extradite nationals of the two countries when extradition is requested for offenses related to:

  • Terrorism
  • Organized criminal activity
  • Illegal trafficking in controlled substances

International Cooperation and Commitment

Bolivia has signed several international agreements to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, including:

  • International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism: Approved by the United Nations General Assembly on December 9, 1999.
  • United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1368, 1373, and 1377 of 2001
  • Resolution RC 23 and 24/1/01 of the Twenty-Third Consultative Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs

These agreements demonstrate Bolivia’s commitment to combating money laundering and terrorist financing, both domestically and internationally.