Bolivia detains Cerimedo, ex-Milei adviser, on multiple charges

Fernando Cerimedo, the Argentine political consultant who advised presidents Javier Milei and Rodrigo Paz, is in preventive detention in Bolivia facing three separate criminal cases: attempted femicide, illicit enrichment, and alleged ties to drug trafficking. The charges stem from the August 17 shooting of his former partner, lawyer Nadia Beller, who survived and accused him of orchestrating the attack Source: CNN Español.

The attack and its aftermath

Bolivian prosecutors allege Cerimedo "directed the ambush remotely," persuading Beller to meet at a hotel under the false promise of security, and then tried to flee the country Source: Emol. He was arrested at Viru Viru airport. A judge ordered 180 days of preventive detention for attempted femicide Source: Infobae. Beller, who was pregnant, said Cerimedo disliked the pregnancy and pressured her to attend the meeting Source: CNN Español.

Expanding investigations

Following Beller's accusations, authorities opened a case for illicit enrichment, raiding at least five properties and seizing cash, satellite phones, and a "mini bot farm" Source: La Voz del Interior. Separately, the Fiscalía of Beni opened a drug-trafficking case, alleging Cerimedo protected irregular flights of planes suspected of carrying controlled substances Source: ABC España. Three other people have been detained in connection with the cases Source: Infobae.

Political fallout

The Argentine government has distanced itself, with spokesperson Adrián Ravier stating that "Javier Milei has no relationship with Cerimedo since 2023," though he acknowledged visits to the Casa Rosada in early 2024 Source: La Voz del Interior. President Milei, however, suggested the case might be part of a conspiracy involving Lula, Evo Morales, and "castrochavismo" Source: El País. Cerimedo's defense calls the attack a "self-attack" to destabilize the Bolivian government Source: CNN Español.

What's next

Cerimedo's hearing was postponed after he reportedly suffered a health episode; he broke down in tears, saying "I want to see my children" Source: La Voz del Interior. Forensic analysis of a seized phone, which allegedly contains a message saying "Either we eliminate her now or we're screwed," will be key Source: La Voz del Interior.