Bolivian government accused of $2m tear gas overpayment to US intermediary

The Bolivian government has been accused of using a US intermediary to source millions of dollars worth of tear gas, at a price significantly exceeding the original quote. A report on the television programme "Detrás de la Verdad" (Behind the Truth) - denied by the government as a “false story” as part of a “political war” - alleged that on 25th November 2019, the Government Ministry requested a quote from the Brazilian company Condor, which produces a wide range of tear gas and other chemical weapons used by police forces around the world. The next day, the same ministry sent another letter to the company, indicating that the order would now be made through the US intermediary company Bravo Tactical Solutions LLC. The final purchase was made via Bravo Tactical Solutions, with the contract signed by the Bolivian Defense Minister, Luis Fernando López Julio, for US$5.649.137,64.

According to the https://www.opinion.com.bo website, the premium paid to Bravo Tactical Solutions was over $2 million, and highlights a close personal relationship between the person who signed the contract at Bravo Tactical Solutions and Arturo Murillo, the Bolivian Minister of Government.

Condor Non-Lethal Technologies is a Brazilian company, specialising in tear gas, pepper spray, stun guns, rubber bullets, smoke grenades, impact grenades and pyrotechnics.