Arrest of Bangladeshis in Bolivia

Question: Are we aware of reports of individuals from Bangladesh who were arrested in Bolivia on suspicion of plotting attacks on U.S. interests? What do we know? Do we have any comment?

Answer: The United States extends its congratulations to the Bolivian government for taking prompt and decisive action to detain a group of Bangladeshi nationals who entered the country under irregular immigration status. This incident underscores the importance of international cooperation in border security matters.

We have seen reports suggesting that these individuals were smuggled into Bolivia with the help of an organized criminal ring, and planned to move on to other countries. Sources suggest that the Bolivian government apprehended these individuals after receiving information on their movements from France.

We have no concrete information to suggest that any of these individuals are linked to terrorism or were targeting U.S. interests. A Bolivian government investigation into this matter is under way; we cannot speculate on its outcome.

2003/1231