16 Jun 2012

Recording pens for Bolivian Customs

5:40 am on 16 June 2012

Custom officers in Bolivia are to carry special pens with a hidden camera and voice recorder as part of a government move to tackle corruption.

Customs director Marlene Ardaya says the recorders will remain active during all working hours and officers will be selected randomly to have their recordings checked.

The BBC reports the Customs department is seen as one of the most corrupt areas of the government in Bolivia.

But the Economy Ministry estimates smuggling costs the country up to $US400,000 in lost tax revenue.