Former Argentine Official Detained with Drugs and Millions in Cash

A former official who served under both the Alberto Fernández and Javier Milei administrations in Argentina has been arrested on drug and corruption charges. Facundo Leal, who previously held directorial positions at the state satellite company Arsat and the National Airport System Regulatory Body (Orsna), was detained after an investigation into the alleged theft of technological equipment from Arsat.

The inquiry, initiated by a complaint from the national government regarding stolen equipment from Arsat, led federal justice in San Isidro to conduct raids on Leal’s residences. These operations uncovered significant quantities of synthetic drugs, cocaine, ketamine, and over two million dollars in cash, along with currency from other countries.

Background of the Investigation

The investigation reportedly began after the current government, during its efforts to streamline state structures, filed a complaint about the theft of technological equipment from Arsat. This prompted a judicial investigation that uncovered indications of potential corruption within the company’s contracts, leading to multiple raids across various cities, including Leal’s homes.

Leal, described as a 42-year-old lawyer from Mendoza, was the former president of Arsat. He served in this role for three years across the presidencies of Alberto Fernández and Javier Milei. Following his tenure at Arsat, he continued in government service as a director at Orsna, leveraging his expertise in the area.

Discovery of Illicit Items

During a raid on his apartment in Palermo, investigators reportedly found a substantial amount of cash, totaling over 650,000 dollars, along with currencies from Uruguay, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Europe, and even Tanzanian shillings. Additionally, synthetic drugs, including approximately 300 grams of ketamine and MDMA crystals, over 70 MDMA pills, and cocaine, were seized. The items found also included a scale, ziploc bags, consumption spoons, and a cannabis oil vaporizer.

Further searches extended to one of Leal’s properties in Mendoza, where his financial declaration indicated he owned at least seven other residences. In one of these Mendoza properties, investigators discovered an additional 1.7 million dollars in cash.

Although Leal has reportedly left his directorial positions, journalistic investigations suggest he remains on Arsat’s payroll as a permanent employee. The confiscated items also included mobile phones, laptops, an iPad, pendrives, and a smartwatch, which are to be analyzed for their content.

The case is being handled by the federal court of San Isidro, presided over by Judge Lino Mirabelli, and the prosecutor’s office led by Fernando Domínguez.

Datos clave
| Item | Detail |
|—|—|
| Name | Facundo Leal |
| Former Positions | Director of Arsat, Director of Orsna |
| Allegations | Theft of equipment, drug possession, corruption |
| Seized Assets | Over $2 million USD, synthetic drugs, cocaine, ketamine |

This development is significant for FootballGames10 readers as it highlights potential corruption and illicit activities within state-run entities in Argentina, a country with a substantial football presence. While not directly related to on-field football matters, such news contributes to understanding the broader socio-political context in which football operates and can impact governance and public trust in sports-related institutions.

Fuente: Clarin Deportes (https://www.clarin.com/politica/detuvieron-exfuncionario-albero-fernandez-javier-milei-drogas-millones-dolares_0_hrmWwmz6pO.html)

Datos clave