Bolivia Prosecutes Suspected War Recruiters; Main Suspect at Large

A Bolivian court has begun hearings for three individuals accused of recruiting Bolivians to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. The prosecution alleges they are part of a human trafficking network and is seeking their preventive detention. The three defendants are reportedly relatives of the primary suspect, Amador A. M., who is currently a fugitive.

The formal charges filed by the Public Ministry include human trafficking with the purpose of recruitment for armed conflicts. Prosecutor Mijail Cavero stated that the investigation has gathered sufficient evidence, including victim and family testimonies, as well as documents seized during raids, such as passports, to support the charges.

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The Public Ministry has presented the formal indictment for the crime of human trafficking for recruitment and will defend this indictment to safeguard the rights and guarantees of the victims.

"The Public Ministry has presented the formal indictment for the crime of human trafficking for recruitment and will defend this indictment to safeguard the rights and guarantees of the victims," Cavero said before the hearing. He indicated that the collected evidence links the accused to a structure that allegedly lured Bolivian citizens with job offers on social media before transporting them to Russia.

The defense, represented by lawyer Ronny Éguez, has rejected the accusations, asserting that their clients have no involvement in the alleged recruitment scheme. Meanwhile, authorities are actively pursuing the main suspect, Amador M. A., who remains in hiding. The prosecutor confirmed that all available mechanisms are being utilized to locate him.

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The señor Amador is still in hiding. He is a fugitive and the Public Ministry, together with the Bolivian Police, has activated all mechanisms for his search.