Bolivia government says trustee probing bank died by suicide, but some demand new investigation
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Loading... - Mido Nabil
- 01 Jun 2023
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A forensic investigation conducted on Wednesday concluded that the trustee of a bankrupt bank in Bolivia, who tragically died after falling from the 15th floor of an office building, had taken his own life. This case has captivated Bolivia, sparking speculation as to whether he had jumped or was pushed. However, rather than settling the matter, this finding has led to renewed calls for an impartial investigation into the death of Carlos Alberto Colodro.
Government Minister Carlos Eduardo del Castillo emphasized to reporters that authorities had thoroughly explored all possibilities and had provided scientific and technical evidence proving that Carlos Alberto Colodro's death was a suicide. He further stated, "The footage from the cameras clearly shows Mr. Colodro entering the 15th floor unaccompanied."
Despite these assertions, Colodro's relatives, who discovered his lifeless body on Saturday, dismissed the investigation's conclusions and continued to assert that foul play was involved. Two former Bolivian presidents have joined them in demanding an independent inquiry into his death.
Jorge Valda, the attorney representing Colodro's family, criticized the government's investigation, describing it as rushed and lacking consultation with the family, who were not even interviewed during the process. Valda claimed that Colodro's injuries seemed inconsistent with a fall.
Colodro's demise occurred shortly after he was appointed to oversee Fassil Bank, which had been placed under trusteeship due to insolvency resulting from significant fund withdrawals by clients. In addition to managing the bank's affairs, Colodro was tasked with investigating the circumstances leading to its financial collapse. The timing of his death, coupled with the bank's bankruptcy, fueled suspicions, as Bolivia was already grappling with economic uncertainty and political polarization.
Del Castillo maintained that the investigation had ruled out assassination as a cause of death, citing handwriting analysis that confirmed Colodro's authorship of a letter found. The letter, which Colodro wrote without providing specific details, indicated that he was under immense pressure, lacked anticipated support, and bid farewell to his family.
Valda, the family's lawyer, criticized the handwriting analysis, arguing that it was inadequate and raised doubts about the letter's content. He further claimed that the investigators had not requested any written material from the family for comparison. Valda pointed out discrepancies in the letter, such as Colodro stating his age as 64 when he was actually 63, and omitting mention of all his children.
Valda also expressed skepticism about the video evidence, alleging that the crucial moment when Colodro allegedly decided to jump voluntarily was not captured by the camera. Additionally, he highlighted that Colodro's body was missing an eyeball and had other injuries inconsistent with a fall. However, Del Castillo argued that Colodro's body had sustained significant impact due to high-speed descent, which could explain the multiple injuries.
Following the government's assumption of control over the bank, allegations surfaced regarding million-dollar loans to insolvent borrowers and potential financial ties to influential real estate groups in the city of Santa Cruz, located in Bolivia's lowlands. Four former bank executives are currently detained and under investigation. Former long-time President Evo Morales and his predecessor, Carlos Mesa, have joined Colodro's relatives in demanding an independent investigation.
As of Wednesday, the Bolivian government had not appointed a successor to Colodro, leaving employees of the bankrupt bank protesting in various cities, demanding payment of their overdue salaries.
