Chilean deputy seeks probe into stolen vehicle used by Bolivian governor

A Chilean deputy is seeking clarification from Bolivia regarding the use of a vehicle with an active theft report in Chile during an official event attended by Cochabamba Governor Leonardo Loza. The controversy erupted after social media images surfaced showing Governor Loza in a red pickup truck with a Chilean license plate during an event in the Cocapata region.

Chilean authorities confirmed the vehicle, identified by its license plate TZWL35, has an "active police order" for its search due to a theft report. Chilean Deputy Sebastián Videla has formally requested the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage diplomatic channels with the Bolivian government to investigate how the vehicle ended up in Bolivia and was used in a public activity.

Videla described the situation as "unacceptable" and urged for transparency and cooperation between the two nations. He stressed the need for Bolivian authorities to provide all relevant information to determine the vehicle's origin, those involved in its transport, and why it was used by a regional official.

In response, Nelson Cox, the legal director for the Cochabamba Governorate, stated that Governor Loza is not obligated to verify the legal status of vehicles provided by social sectors or communities hosting his visits. Cox argued that the governor's activities are in line with his relationship with social organizations and do not require him to conduct checks typically handled by customs or property registration authorities. He rejected claims of criminalizing the governor's activities and emphasized that official vehicles used by Loza are registered to the Cochabamba Autonomous Departmental Government.