Prosecutor seeks questioning of 10 in ARSAT graft probe

Federal prosecutors have requested the questioning of 10 former ARSAT officials and private-sector executives as part of an expanding investigation into alleged corruption, bribery and fraud involving the Argentine state telecommunications company.

The request was filed by prosecutor Fernando Domínguez after federal judge Lino Mirabelli lifted a secrecy order surrounding the case, which investigators say has uncovered a network of suspected irregularities linked to contracts awarded between 2020 and 2024.

Among those named is former ARSAT president Facundo Leal, who led the company during the administration of former president Alberto Fernández. Former officials Gerardo Boschin, Pablo Gastón Pagani, Juan Navarro and Juan Álvarez are also among those facing potential questioning, alongside executives and representatives of logistics firm Argentina Logistic Service (ALS).

According to prosecutors, ALS may have benefited from irregularly awarded contracts covering logistics services, transport, crane hire and warehouse space. Investigators allege that some of the services were unnecessary or were never fully carried out, causing financial losses to the state.

The probe has also focused on alleged payments and benefits provided to ARSAT officials in exchange for favourable treatment in contract awards. Prosecutors claim these may have included cash, travel tickets, jobs and other advantages.

The case expanded significantly following raids in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Province and Mendoza. Investigators seized documents, electronic devices and cash, including hundreds of thousands of US dollars reportedly found at a property linked to Leal.

Authorities also discovered drugs and intelligence-gathering equipment, including covert listening devices, signal jammers and satellite-tracking systems. Leal remains detained in a separate case related to alleged drug possession.

– TIMES/NA