Ten owners of vehicles used for irregular and excessive fuel loading were arrested and charged with illegal enrichment. The offense is punishable by up to eight years in prison. Another 40 owners are being traced and informed
A month ago, the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) identified in Cochabamba about 50 vehicles called “lecheritos” (minibus type) that, in less than three months, managed to load more than 4 million liters of fuel into their tanks. Stayed, like hidden barrels. It was assumed that it had been destined for smuggling.
“The 50 identified vehicles are already in the hands of justice. 10 (of the owners) have already been caught and another 40 have already been notified. “They managed to load four million liters in three months,” said German Jimenez, executive director of ANH.
He pointed out that the amount of seized fuel has skyrocketed since the enactment of decrees allowing greater control over the sale and marketing of fuel.
“The seizure did not exceed 280 thousand liters in four years; But now, in less than a month, more than 320,000 liters have already been seized (…) We are concerned because 80% of this was mostly diesel,” he explained.
According to the authority, it was possible to disembark 138 soldiers at various fuel sale points in border posts or irrigation areas through the Soberanya fuel control scheme.
“638 operations were conducted in a month, we have three sealed service stations and 94 people have been caught for these illegal activities. No person can store or market without authorization”, he pointed out.
Proceedings were taken against several people for illegal enrichment of private persons influencing the state. If they are prosecuted and convicted, they could serve between four and eight years in prison.
“If anyone wants to divert fuel, they are subject to criminal proceedings. No person can store, transport and sell fuel without authorisation”, he warned.
Jimenez recalled that the YPFB already uses GPS to control 170 tanker trucks. This made it possible to find out which people were being diverted for illegal mining. Eight trucks carrying petrol and diesel have already been seized.
