Photo: screenshot from the Chinese Embassy in Bolivia

The Chinese Embassy in Bolivia on Sunday morning issued a notice on a recent major security and consular protection case where a male Chinese citizen was intercepted by several masked armed robbers in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, on the afternoon of December 18, local time. The Chinese citizen sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and, after receiving medical treatment, is now out of danger. A large amount of cash and valuables he was carrying were stolen. The case is currently under investigation, according to the notice.

According to the notice, the Chinese embassy was promptly informed of the incident through consular protection volunteers, immediately verified the details with the police, dispatched consular officials to visit the victim in the hospital, and provided full assistance for the investigation. The embassy will closely monitor the progress of the case, continue to urge and assist the police in solving it, and collaborate with the police, the Chinese community, and other relevant parties to discuss and implement effective measures to enhance the protection of the personal and property safety of Chinese citizens and compatriots in Bolivia. The embassy also hopes that Chinese citizens and compatriots with information related to the above-mentioned case will actively provide relevant leads to the embassy and the police, said the notice.

In light of this incident and the current complex political, social, and economic situation in Bolivia, the embassy reminds Chinese citizens and compatriots in Bolivia to enhance safety awareness, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables when traveling, and refrain from traveling alone whenever possible.

Also, the embassy advised the Chinese community to stay informed about the local situation, particularly the security environment, avoid visiting areas with poor security conditions, and minimize travel during peak hours for security incidents. In case of emergencies such as robbery, remain calm, prioritize personal safety, and report the incident to the police promptly, said the embassy.

The embassy also provided Bolivian police emergency number of (591) 110 or 120, as well as consular protection hotline of 00591-72028168.

Global Times