Spanish Cooperation Entity to Aid Bolivia in Fight Against Crime

Bolivia is set to receive significant support in its fight against organized crime through a new partnership between the Bolivian Police and the Foundation for the Internationalization of Public Administrations (FIAPP), an entity linked to Spanish Cooperation.

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Spain, Italy, and France will collaborate in training, all dedicated to the prosecution of organized crime, particularly drug trafficking, illicit enrichment, and human trafficking.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by Bolivia's Interior Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo and María Antonia Diez García, the head of the EU-funded project 'EU Police Support to the Special Police Force for the Fight Against Organized Crime in Bolivia.' This project, which has been in development through various phases since 2016, aims to bolster the capabilities of Bolivia's police force and other entities involved in combating organized crime, including the Public Ministry and judiciary.

Diez García explained that police forces from Spain, Italy, and France will contribute through training focused on prosecuting organized crime, specifically targeting drug trafficking, illicit financial gains, and human trafficking. Beyond training, the project seeks to strengthen joint investigation teams by improving their management and providing necessary tools.

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the financing of the EU is backed by the responsibility of the Ministry of Government, in this case Bolivia, to contribute to making this institutional strengthening effective in the fight against organized crime.

Minister Oviedo emphasized the importance of joint efforts and information exchange in tackling transnational crime. He noted Bolivia's existing collaborations with countries like Brazil and the United States, as well as the substantial support received from the EU. The initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of public servants and security forces in their respective duties.

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Bolivia has been working with countries like Brazil and the United States and also with the EU, which offers 'very great collaboration' to the country 'in this and in other areas'.