Mother Who Gave Daughter to Another Family in La Paz Sent to Jail

A Bolivian woman faces 90 days of preventive detention in La Paz as prosecutors investigate allegations of human trafficking for the purpose of guardianship or adoption. The 38-year-old suspect is accused of irregularly handing over one of her daughters, aged five, to third parties in La Paz.

Further complicating the case, the woman allegedly attempted to leave Bolivia for Chile with her three other minor children. The prosecutor in the case, Mijail Cavero, stated that the investigation was initiated following a report suggesting the woman had "commercialized" her minor daughter. The prosecution is working to establish whether this was part of a larger scheme involving illegal adoption or if other individuals were complicit.

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We have a report against an adult citizen. Presumably, this woman commercialized her minor daughter in the department of La Paz. Subsequently, she allegedly attempted to carry out a similar act by trying to take her other three minor children to Chile.

During the precautionary measures hearing, the Public Ministry requested 180 days of detention, citing the vulnerability of the minors involved, who range in age from four to ten years old. The prosecution argued that the woman failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for why she intended to leave the country with three of her children or the circumstances under which her youngest daughter was left with another family in La Paz.

While the judicial authority ultimately imposed a 90-day detention period, the Public Ministry will continue to gather statements, expert opinions, and other evidence. The investigation seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding the child's placement with another family and to determine if an illegal handover for guardianship or adoption occurred, potentially involving financial gain. The case came to light after an anonymous tip alerted child protection authorities.

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The Public Ministry has substantiated the participation and individualization of the acts, taking into account that the victims are minors and have enhanced protection under the law.