New Money-Laundering, Narco-Protection Probes Opened Against Cerimedo; Paz Distances Himself

Bolivian prosecutors opened two new investigations against Fernando Cerimedo: one for money laundering ("legitimising illicit gains"), opened by Deputy Transparency Minister Yamil García, and one in Beni department for allegedly providing "protection" to "irregular flights" linked to drug trafficking, opened by prosecutor Alexander Mendoza — both stemming from allegations made by Nadia Beller. President Paz responded publicly: "There was never a contract ... there was never a direct working relationship" with Cerimedo, distancing his government from the adviser whose credential had listed him as "principal adviser" to the president.