Bolivian authorities on Wednesday fired the health minister and opened an investigation of potential corruption over allegations that officials bought ventilators at inflated prices, underscoring the global challenge to prevent graft in the coronavirus pandemic.
Journalists wait at a police station, outside the office in charge of prevention and investigation of crimes, as Bolivian prosecutors have launched a probe into potential corruption, including against the Health Minister, over overpriced purchases of ventilators, during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease , in La Paz, Bolivia May 20, 2020. REUTERS/David Mercado
Bolivia’s state prosecutor said in a statement on Wednesday that four health ministry officials had been detained and that some officials abroad and intermediaries involved in the deal would also be investigated. “I will seek jail and order the full weight of the law against those who have taken a single cent. Every penny of corruption must be returned to the state,” caretaker President Jeanine Añez had written on Twitter late on Tuesday.
The scandal emerged after Bolivian officials purchased 170 emergency respirators from the Spanish firm GPA Innova, using IDB funds.
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