Bolivia's Crime Rates: Understanding The Country's Troubling Statistics

Bolivia has a high crime rate, with a homicide rate of 4.32 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. The country has seen a rise in crime levels in recent years, with theft and violent crime on the increase. While ordinary Bolivians are shocked by stories of theft and assault, tourists are generally not at high risk, with most crimes against visitors being opportunistic thefts rather than violent attacks. However, there have been instances of express kidnapping, where armed men enter a taxi or minibus and take travellers to a secret location to steal their possessions. Drug-related crimes are also prevalent, with possession or trafficking of drugs carrying a long jail sentence. Overall, poverty, weak law enforcement, and social challenges are key factors contributing to Bolivia's high crime rate.

High homicide rates

Bolivia has a high homicide rate, with 4.32 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, translating to a total of 535 homicides. This is a decrease from previous years, with 686 reported homicides in 2016 and 1,270 in 2012.

While Bolivia has far lower levels of theft and violent crime than neighbouring Peru and Brazil, crime levels have been rising in recent years, to the dismay of ordinary Bolivians. Most crime against tourists is opportunistic theft, and violence is rare. However, there have been instances of "express kidnapping", where armed men enter a taxi or minibus and take travellers to a secret location to force them to reveal their ATM PIN, with victims sometimes being held for several days or even murdered.

The overall crime rate in a country is influenced by factors such as poverty, unemployment, and law enforcement strictness. Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in the region, and although strict law enforcement and severe sentences can reduce crime rates, there is also a strong correlation between age and crime, with most crimes committed by those aged 20-30.

Domestic violence

In Bolivia, 90% of women will experience some form of violence, with 87% experiencing it within the family. The National Statistical Institute's 2003 survey on domestic violence revealed that 64% of women were the target of some form of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse from their partner. Furthermore, Bolivia has the highest rate of violence carried out by partners against women in Latin America.

The roots of such violence include a pervasive culture of machismo, inadequate legislation, lack of enforcement of existing laws, a flawed judicial system, and societal attitudes. The problem is exacerbated by the stigma and silence surrounding domestic violence, with victims often facing intimidation and blame from their communities, extended families, and even authorities when they attempt to report abuse.

In 2013, Bolivia passed a comprehensive domestic violence law that outlaws many forms of abuse against women, including marital rape. However, despite this progress, women and girls remain at high risk of gender-based violence, and the country continues to grapple with the issue of underreporting.

Drug-related crime

Bolivia is the third-largest grower of coca in the world, with the leaves being processed into cocaine. In 2010, the area under coca bush cultivation was estimated at 31,000 hectares, concentrated mainly in the Yungas and Chapare areas. In 2012, the area under cultivation stood at around 25,300 hectares, down from 27,200 hectares the previous year.

The country's lucrative coca crop has led to issues with drug trafficking and corruption. In the 1980s, coca was Bolivia's most lucrative crop and economic activity, supplying approximately 15% of the US cocaine market. Analysts believed that exports of coca paste and cocaine generated between US$600 million and US$1 billion annually in the 1980s.

Bolivia's government has made efforts to eradicate coca cultivation, with some success. In 2004, a policy of voluntary participation of farmers from all coca-growing regions was implemented. Farmers in Chapare are allowed to grow one cato of coca per year. Any coca grown beyond that limit or outside of approved coca-cultivation regions is subject to elimination. As a result, coca cultivation in Bolivia fell to 27,200 hectares in 2011 from 31,000 hectares in 2010—a 12% decrease.

However, drug-related crime remains an issue in Bolivia, with the country now being a hub for drug trafficking in South America. Bolivia borders the world's principal producer of cocaine, Peru, and South America's primary producer of marijuana, Paraguay. Additionally, Brazil, the second-biggest consumer of illegal drugs in the world, is nearby. Bolivian organized crime groups tend to work up to the level of coca base production, delivering the product to Brazilian organized crime syndicates.

There is also a presence of transnational organized crime groups in Bolivia, including Colombian and Brazilian criminal clans. These groups have established permanent operations in the country to take advantage of its strategic location for the drug trade.

The issue of drug-related crime in Bolivia is complex and deeply rooted in the country's economy and geography. While the government has made strides in reducing coca cultivation, the continued presence of drug trafficking organizations contributes to high crime rates in the country.

Violent crime

One of the most prevalent forms of violent crime in Bolivia is domestic violence. According to a study by the Center for Women's Information and Development (CIDEM) and the Emancipation Fund, the number of reported domestic violence cases increased by 37% between 2007 and 2011. Additionally, a Pan American Health Organization study found that Bolivia had the highest prevalence of domestic violence against women among 12 Latin American countries.

Express kidnapping is another form of violent crime that has targeted travellers in Bolivia. In these incidents, armed men, sometimes posing as police officers, enter a taxi or minibus and abduct the passengers. The victims are taken to a secret location, forced to reveal their ATM PINs, and held captive while their accounts are drained. In some cases, the kidnapped individuals have been murdered. Most of these crimes have occurred on the La Paz-Copacabana route, and travellers are advised to opt for larger buses when travelling in this area.

While violent crime against tourists is rare, it is essential to take precautions when visiting Bolivia. Tourists are often targeted for theft, especially in bus stations, markets, city centres, and other crowded tourist spots. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim, it is recommended to keep valuables secure and out of sight, be vigilant, and follow local safety advice.

Corruption and bribery

The country's history of instability, with over 200 changes of government and a constant cycle of rewriting the constitution since gaining independence from Spain in 1825, has likely contributed to the pervasive corruption. Widespread poverty, which continues to plague the country, has also hindered effective governance.

The judiciary, in particular, is viewed as weak, inefficient, and susceptible to political interference. Court decisions are often influenced by bribery, and prosecutors frequently target opposition-party politicians and their supporters. The police force, similarly, is marred by corruption and abuse of power, with low wages and inadequate training further exacerbating the problem. Many police officers have ties to organised crime, particularly drug traffickers, due to their involvement in the illegal drug trade.

The complexity of the country's tax laws and the government's control over both operation and regulation in the extractive industries also create opportunities for corruption. Companies often encounter corruption when dealing with the public services sector, where bribes are frequently demanded in exchange for licenses and permits. The customs service is notoriously corrupt, with a significant number of people reporting having to pay bribes to customs officers.

The issue of corruption is further compounded by a degree of societal tolerance. Many Bolivians believe that the government's corruption is acceptable given the "good things" it does for the people. Additionally, traditional beliefs that encourage self-enrichment, regardless of the means, contribute to a culture where corruption is seen as a normal part of life.

Despite efforts by the Bolivian government to enhance transparency and combat corruption, such as the establishment of the Ministry of Anticorruption and Transparency in 2009, enforcement of anti-corruption laws remains inadequate. As a result, Bolivia continues to lag in global and regional governance rankings, scoring poorly on indicators such as Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index.

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