Four Bolivian police officers sentenced to eight years for extorting money changer

A La Paz court has sentenced four police officers from the Department of Criminal Analysis and Intelligence (DACI) to eight years in prison for extorting a money changer. The officers were convicted of extortion and bribery, according to the Public Prosecutor's Office.

The incident occurred in late 2024 when the police officers responded to a report filed by the money changer, who claimed to have been robbed of a significant sum of money. However, during their investigation, the officers allegedly engaged in misconduct. They are accused of pressuring the victim to falsely confess to a "self-robbery" and subsequently demanding money from him under the guise of providing assistance.

Prosecutor Ronald Jurado stated that the four officers exploited their positions to pressure the victim and illicitly gain financial benefits. The investigation and subsequent judicial process led to the determination of the officers' criminal responsibility.

This sentencing adds to a growing number of cases involving police officers implicated in extortion and abuse of their authority. The convictions underscore persistent concerns about corruption and criminal activities within law enforcement agencies in Bolivia.

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the four officers took advantage of their functions to pressure the victim and obtain economic benefits irregularly.