Who is Daniela Durán, the YPFB lawyer investigated for 'garbage gasoline'?

Daniela Durán Antezana, a lawyer with extensive experience in Bolivia's hydrocarbon sector, has been detained as part of an investigation into the acquisition of destabilized or "garbage" gasoline. Durán, who previously held strategic legal positions within Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), was apprehended in Santa Cruz.

The investigation focuses on Durán's alleged involvement in providing legal authorization and support for contracts related to the purchase of fuel that was later found to have quality issues. The specific charges being investigated include dereliction of duty and anti-economic conduct. Authorities confirmed her detention and are coordinating her potential transfer to La Paz, where the main inquiry is based.

From the state oil company, YPFB, a spokesperson indicated that the company respects the ongoing investigation. They affirmed that the judicial system will ultimately decide Durán's fate. Durán's professional background includes significant experience in corporate and contract law within the oil and gas industry. Her LinkedIn profile highlights expertise in contract negotiation, corporate law, and financial analysis.

Durán's history with YPFB is not new. Records show her holding legal management roles within subsidiaries like YPFB Andina in previous years. During the current administration of YPFB, she occupied a prominent position as the national legal manager, responsible for the legal review of contracts, including those for fuel acquisition, before her arrest.