14 Billion Won Reward for Capturing Former Bolivian President?…US Tycoon "Considering Bounty" What’s Going On

"Considering a $1 Million Reward" for Former President Morales Accused of Forcible Sex with a Teenager
Bolivian-American Tycoon Sparks Controversy with Social Media Post
Morales Responds: "Crazy or Stupid Remark"

Former Bolivian President Evo Morales. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

A Bolivian-American billionaire has sparked controversy by stating that he could offer a $1 million reward (approximately 1.455 billion KRW) for the capture of former Bolivian President Evo Morales, who is accused of trafficking underage girls for sexual purposes.

Marcelo Claure, a Bolivian-born American and former operator of the telecommunications company Sprint, and CEO of the Claure Group, posted an image of a wanted poster for former President Morales on his X (formerly Twitter) account on the 9th, saying, "What do you think about me offering a $1 million reward?" and "I am considering this."

According to the Bolivian daily El Deber on the same day, Morales immediately responded on a local radio broadcast, calling Claure's statement "crazy or stupid."

Known as a wealthy businessman, Claure has been exerting influence on Bolivian politics ahead of the national election scheduled for August this year by commissioning nationwide opinion polls and strongly criticizing the left-wing ruling party. He recently also made favorable remarks about Argentine President Javier Milei, known as the 'Trump of Argentina,' who is supported by conservatives in the international community.

Supporters of former President Evo Morales, centered on indigenous people. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Morales is under investigation by prosecutors for allegedly forcibly having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl during his presidency (2006?2019), against her will. Prosecutors believe this woman gave birth to Morales' child.

A local court has issued an arrest warrant for former President Morales, but he remains in hiding with the support of indigenous backers. Morales is a coca farmer and indigenous (Aymara) native of Bolivia.

Meanwhile, Morales expressed his intention to run for office again last year, but according to a decision by the Bolivian Constitutional Court regarding term limits, he is legally ineligible to run for president.