The Bolivian government has confirmed that its investigation into a purported internal plot at the state-owned airline Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) has been expanded to include former CEO Ronald Casso. The probe focuses on coordinated actions allegedly designed to create systematic flight delays, thereby undermining the carrier’s service reliability.
Minister of Public Works, Édgar Montaño, who first announced the existence of the scheme in June, reaffirmed Casso’s inclusion in the official inquiry. During a press conference, Montaño stated he had long pointed to “a plot within BoA against our government. High-ranking officials were involved, and we are identifying them one by one.” The minister noted that his office initiated the complaint that led to an intervention by the Bolivian Police and raids on the airline’s offices at Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Ronald Casso, who led BoA for several years, departed in February amidst mounting criticism over the airline’s operational performance, which was plagued by delays, cancellations, and technical issues that damaged public trust. When asked if Casso led or participated in the group, Montaño confirmed that the investigations are ongoing. “We are carrying out all the necessary investigations. The testimony of those arrested will indicate whether he was part of the plot or not,” the official specified.
The minister warned that no one involved would be shielded, regardless of their rank. Local media outlets reported evidence suggesting certain employees acted deliberately to destabilize services, providing grounds for the internal boycott investigation.
Broader Context of Political and Operational Pressures
The accusations of a “plot against the government” arise within Bolivia’s highly polarized political landscape, where state-owned companies like BoA are often at the center of political struggles. As the nation’s flag carrier, BoA plays a crucial role in connecting a country with challenging geography, making its operational stability a matter of national importance.
Casso’s departure followed a period of intense public scrutiny. While the government alleges deliberate sabotage, the airline has also faced significant operational headwinds common in the region, including fleet maintenance challenges and economic pressures that affect efficiency. The carrier operates a core fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft for its domestic and regional network, along with Airbus A330s for its long-haul routes to Miami and Madrid.
Contraband Ring Uncovered at El Alto Airport
In parallel with the sabotage investigation, authorities uncovered a criminal organization dedicated to smuggling operating out of El Alto International Airport (LPB), which serves the capital, La Paz. This network involved employees from BoA Cargo and the National Customs agency.
The scheme involved swapping inbound boxes of high-value electronics, such as laptops and phones from Miami, with packages containing low-value goods to avoid paying import duties.
BoA’s current CEO, Mario Borda, described the group as a “criminal organization” and detailed that on at least two occasions in May and June, approximately 900 kilograms of cargo were substituted. According to reports from outlets like EJU.TV, the diverted cargo was originally destined for Cochabamba but was rerouted to Cobija, allegedly for trafficking into Brazil.
The Ministry of Public Works has stated its commitment to transparency and affirmed that the investigation will continue until all responsible parties are brought to justice, reinforcing oversight of public company management.
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