Bolivia Blames Brazil’s PCC for Sunday Santa Cruz Heist

BOLIVIA · CRIME

Bolivia’s interim attorney general says Brazil’s PCC gang, which faces US sanctions, raided a Santa Cruz jewellery shop. President Rodrigo Paz said he had received death threats after the capture of a senior PCC member.

Bolivia blamed Brazil’s Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) for an armed raid on a Santa Cruz jewellery shop on Sunday night. The US Treasury has sanctioned the PCC as a drug-trafficking organisation since December 2021.

Interim Attorney General José Armando Urioste made the link on Monday, 12 October, Unitel and state broadcaster Bolivia TV reported. “You saw yesterday a robbery that we consider to be the work of the famous PCC,” he said, according to both outlets.

How the Santa Cruz Jewellery Heist Unfolded

At least four armed men stormed a mall jewellery shop on Avenida Busch on Sunday evening, Unitel and Bolivia TV reported. They fired shots to intimidate security staff and workers and smashed the glass display cases, according to the reports.

The men fled on motorcycles, apparently heading towards the north of Santa Cruz department, Unitel and Bolivia TV reported. None of the three outlets has reported the value of what was taken.

Police Search and Arrests After the Robbery

Police activated their “Plan Z” emergency deployment to find the robbers, El Deber and Bolivia TV reported. El Deber and Unitel both reported arrests after the robbery, but they gave different numbers, so the count is not yet clear.

Prosecutor Ties the Raid to Mariaca’s Arrest

Urioste said organised crime ran out of cash after the arrest of former Attorney General Roger Mariaca, both outlets reported. “That is making them desperate,” he said, according to both outlets.

He offered no evidence for the PCC link in the reported remarks, and both outlets present it as his assessment. Neither outlet reported a claim of responsibility or a statement from the gang.

President Paz Speaks of Death Threats

At an event in Santa Cruz on Monday, President Rodrigo Paz said he had faced death threats in Pando on Sunday. Both El Deber and Unitel reported the remark.

Paz linked the threats to the recent capture of a senior PCC member in Santa Cruz, both outlets reported. He also cited the arrest months ago of drug trafficker Sebastián Marset, according to both outlets.

What It Means for You

For US firms, the case matters because the PCC is under US sanctions, which bar US persons from dealing with it. On 1 July 2026, the Treasury also sanctioned a PCC-linked network that it said laundered drug money through the US financial system.

For US travellers, the State Department rates Bolivia at Level 2, exercise increased caution, in an advisory dated 18 August 2026. It advises visitors not to physically resist any robbery attempt.

What Is Not Known

The official statements themselves could not be opened, because the websites of the prosecutor’s office and the governorate block automated access. This report therefore rests on what El Deber, Unitel and Bolivia TV reported.

The value of the loot, the identities of those detained and the evidence behind the PCC link have not been reported. El Deber and Unitel also gave different arrest counts, and no court ruling has been reported.

What Comes Next

Prosecutors would need to bring any detainees before a judge, who decides on charges and custody. A detention is not a conviction, and all suspects are presumed innocent.

Security cameras recorded the raid, Unitel and Bolivia TV reported. Any formal confirmation of a PCC role would have to come from the investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in Santa Cruz on Sunday?

At least four armed men raided a jewellery shop in a mall on Avenida Busch, local outlets reported. They fired shots, smashed display cases and fled on motorcycles.

Who does Bolivia blame for the heist?

Interim Attorney General José Armando Urioste said authorities consider it the work of Brazil’s PCC gang. He did not publicly present evidence, according to the reports.

Is the PCC under US sanctions?

Yes, the US Treasury designated the PCC in December 2021 over its role in the international drug trade. It sanctioned a PCC-linked money-laundering network in July 2026.

Is Bolivia safe for US visitors?

The State Department rates Bolivia at Level 2, exercise increased caution, because of crime, unrest and health. It advises against Chapare Province and against resisting any robbery.

Sources: El Deber, police arrests, 12 October 2026; El Deber, Paz remarks, 12 October 2026; Unitel, Urioste remarks; Unitel, Paz remarks; Bolivia TV, Urioste remarks; US Treasury, 1 July 2026; US State Department, Bolivia travel advisory (all accessed 12 October 2026).