UNCLAS LA PAZ 002255

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON BL
SUBJECT: BOLIVIAN EMBASSY IN U.S. UNDER CORRUPTION
INVESTIGATION



1. Bolivian press is reporting the Viceminister Against
Corruption Nardy Suxo has opened a corruption investigation
against several employees of the Bolivian Embassy in
Washington. Viceminister Suxo has acknowledged receiving
complaints against Consul General Oswaldo Cuevas and local DC
hire Victor Ustariz. The corruption allegations involve
overcharging for document processing. Bolivian press reports
that since the local Univision TV network Washington
affiliate aired the story many more complaints have been
filed.


2. Ambassador Gustavo Guzman told La Paz based La Razon
newspaper that he has no knowledge of the complaints.
Foreign Minister Choquehuanca has called for a meeting of all
Ambassadors and Consuls for August 27 to review the state of
the Bolivian Foreign Service, to include the corruption
allegations.
GOLDBERG