The short version
- Fernando Cerimedo was detained in Santa Cruz de la Sierra after allegedly ordering a shooting that targeted his girlfriend, a Bolivian lawyer.
- The suspect is a prominent political consultant who has advised far-right leaders across Latin America, including figures in Argentina and Honduras.
- Bolivian officials have pledged non-interference in the investigation while Cerimedo’s legal team denies any involvement in the violent incident.
Bolivian authorities have arrested Fernando Cerimedo, a prominent political consultant known for his work with far-right leaders across Latin America, on suspicion of orchestrating an attempted murder. The detention occurred on Tuesday morning at an airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, just as the 42-year-old businessman was preparing to board a flight reportedly destined for Buenos Aires, Argentina. Police moved quickly to secure him before he could leave the country, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn attention due to Cerimedo’s high-profile connections and the violent nature of the alleged crime.
The arrest stems from a shooting incident that took place the previous night outside a hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Surveillance video captured two individuals dressed as delivery personnel, wearing helmets, opening fire on Nadia Beller, a Bolivian lawyer. Beller survived the attack and was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment. Local law enforcement has identified Cerimedo as the primary suspect in ordering the gun attack, linking him directly to the violence through ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
According to police reports, Beller had been lured to the hotel location after receiving anonymous messages. These communications promised to provide evidence regarding alleged crimes committed by Evo Morales, Bolivia’s former left-wing president. Morales remains a controversial figure in the region, currently sheltered in a coca-growing area and subject to two outstanding arrest warrants. Beller told investigators she believed the meeting was a trap set by Cerimedo, suggesting that the promise of sensitive political information was used as bait to draw her into a vulnerable position.
Investigators are exploring the hypothesis that the attack resulted from a personal dispute between Cerimedo and Beller. The two had been in a romantic relationship since the previous year, despite Cerimedo being married. Col David Gómez, the local police commander, indicated that tensions between the pair had escalated in the days leading up to the shooting. This personal dimension adds complexity to the case, distinguishing it from purely political assassinations and suggesting motives rooted in private conflict rather than public ideology.
Cerimedo’s legal representative, Ernesto Giraldes, has firmly denied any wrongdoing. He stated that his client did not attempt to flee to Argentina but had traveled to Santa Cruz de la Sierra specifically to visit Beller in the hospital following the incident. Giraldes rejected the allegations that Cerimedo was behind the attack, framing the arrest as a misunderstanding of his client’s intentions and movements during a critical time for Beller’s recovery.
The Bolivian government has maintained a stance of neutrality regarding the investigation. José Luis Gálvez, a spokesperson for President Rodrigo Paz Pereira, clarified that while Cerimedo served as a personal consultant to the president, he did not hold an official government position. President Paz Pereira expressed solidarity with Beller and posted on social media that his administration would offer zero interference in the judicial process, ensuring that the case proceeds without political pressure or executive influence.
Cerimedo’s arrest highlights his significant role in shaping right-wing political movements in the region. He was a central strategist for Javier Milei’s successful presidential campaign in Argentina in 2023, credited with advising the libertarian candidate to use a chainsaw at rallies, a move that became iconic of Milei’s brand. Although he never held an official post in the Argentine government, his influence extended beyond borders, earning him the description of being closely aligned with Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again movement.
His political footprint also includes Honduras, where he is credited with helping secure U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement for Nasry Asfura, who won the country’s presidential election in December. This cross-border influence underscores Cerimedo’s status as a key architect of the new wave of far-right leadership in Latin America, making his detention not just a criminal matter but a notable event in regional political dynamics.
Prior to this arrest, Cerimedo faced legal scrutiny in Brazil over his alleged involvement in efforts to overturn the 2022 election results. He hosted a live stream titled “Brazil Was Stolen,” presenting an anonymous dossier with false claims about the vote shortly after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory. While Brazilian federal police concluded the operation was premeditated and coordinated with military officers and aides of former President Jair Bolsonaro, prosecutors declined to charge Cerimedo, citing insufficient evidence that he knew the information was fabricated.
As the investigation continues, the case remains a focal point for understanding the risks faced by individuals entangled in both personal relationships and high-stakes political environments. The outcome could have broader implications for how political consultants operate in the region, particularly those who navigate the fine line between advisory roles and direct involvement in controversial actions. For now, Cerimedo remains in custody as authorities gather further evidence to substantiate or refute the charges against him.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Adviser to far-right Latin American leaders arrested for allegedly plotting to kill girlfriend
