Major Rice Scam in Santa Cruz: Police Recover 160 Quintals, Two Arrested

Santa Cruz Rice Scam: Police Recover 160 Quintals, Two in Detention Santa Cruz, Bolivia – In a recent operation, Bolivian police and the prosecutor's office recovered over 160 quintals of rice in Santa Cruz. Authorities are investigating a suspected large-scale scam involving the theft and attempted sale of the rice. According to Fiscal Carlos Candia, interviewed in the video, "The total economic damage to the victims is approximately 350,000 Bolivianos." The operation led to the arrest of two individuals, currently in preventive detention at the Montero public prison. The investigation continues, focusing on the possibility of an organized criminal group operating from the Palma Sola penal. The rice was recovered from a private residence, suggesting that the truck carrying it was diverted from its intended destination. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in combating organized crime and ensuring food security in Bolivia. The recovery of the rice is a significant step in the investigation, but further efforts are needed to bring those responsible to justice and prevent future incidents. The investigation into the alleged scam continues.