Bolivia jails ex-president Arce on corruption charges ahead of trial

Former Bolivian President Luis Arce was jailed for five months on December 13, 2025, pending trial on corruption charges. A judge ordered his detention following his arrest in La Paz, rejecting appeals for his release. Arce is accused of embezzling approximately $700 million from a state fund intended for Indigenous development projects during his time as economy minister between 2006 and 2017. The current government alleges Arce approved transfers of funds into personal accounts for uncompleted projects. Arce denies the charges, claiming he had no personal involvement in managing the fund and that the case is politically motivated.

Former Bolivian President Luis Arce was arrested on December 11, 2025, in La Paz as part of a corruption investigation. The arrest, ordered by the new conservative government of President Rodrigo Paz, concerns alleged financial misconduct during Arce's tenure as economy minister under former President Evo Morales. Arce is accused of breach of duty and embezzling public funds, specifically diverting approximately $700 million from a state fund intended for Indigenous people and farmers. Government officials claim the arrest demonstrates their commitment to fighting corruption, while Arce's allies denounce it as political persecution. The investigation follows the end of 20 years of socialist rule in Bolivia.

Former Bolivian president Luis Arce was reportedly detained by police in La Paz on Wednesday and taken to police headquarters. While police have not officially commented, the vice-president, Edmand Lara, stated Arce's apprehension was due to a prosecutorial resolution, hinting at corruption allegations. Arce's former presidency minister claims he was "illegally kidnapped" and that the detention is related to the "Indigenous fund case," a government fund for Indigenous development projects. Arce served as president until November and previously as finance minister under Evo Morales. He is reportedly giving a statement to police, with the ombudsman's office present, while his former minister seeks information about the detention.