2 high-ranking Bolivian executives arrested for suspected corruption

Bolivian Football Federation's (FBF) President Carlos Chavez and the Executive Secretary Alberto Lozada were arrested accused of corruption and in the coming hours both men will be put in front of a court, announced attorney general Ramiro Guerrero on Saturday.

"The decision has been taken to apprehend Carlos Chavez and Alberto Lozada for the existence of sufficient evidence" against the men. They can defend themselves from the cells against charges of aggravated fraud, Guerrero told journalists in the southern Bolivian city of Sucre.

The arrests were made as part of an investigation carried out by the State Attorney General into alleged corruption in national soccer. The investigation came across a claim of aggravated fraud involving Chavez during a friendly match against Brazil.

This latest accusation was what provoked the FBF president to be jailed alongside Lozada while awaiting a precautionary hearing.

Lozada is also part of CONMEBOL's (the South American Football Confederation) disciplinary court and Chavez is the football entity's treasurer.

The two football executives are facing charges of laundering illegal earnings, criminal organization, influence-peddling, fiscal offences and aggravated fraud with multiple victims, among others.

"The work has been developed by the commission of attorneys and they are going to continue developing to arrive at the historical and material truth of the facts," said Guerrero.

Since the investigation began on June 1, 2015, almost 40 people have given statements including executives, former executives and club presidents. A large quantity of information has been gathered despite the FBF's lack of cooperation on the matter.