Controversial SIDE spy agency to re-open with new 'Señor 5,' Sergio Neiffert

President Javier Milei’s government has ordered the dissolution of Argentina’s intelligence services and the re-opening of its former incarnation.

The national espionage agency has been reset, with the libertarian leader shuttering the AFI federal intelligence agency and restoring the SIDE Secretariat of Intelligence of the State. There is also a new man at the helm: Sergio Darío Neiffert, who a month ago had been appointed comptroller of the AFI following the departure of ex-chief Silvestre Sívori, a top ally of former Cabinet chief Nicolás Posse.

Neiffert has now been officially named “Señor 5” or “Mister 5 – the nickname given to the head of the spy agency.

He was proposed for the post by Economy Minister Luis Caputo. Neiffert previously held the post of treasurer of the School Council of Malvinas Argentinas, during the Jesús Cariglino years, formerly of Frente Renovador, currently in PRO, as local mayor.

The nation’s top spy previously served as representative of the Executive branch before the ACUMAR Matanza Riachuelo Watershed Authority. 

In the corporate sector, Neiffert presided over New Consuld SA, a company with a wide spectrum of activities ranging from business affairs to the exploitation of economic rights. He is also deputy director of New Francos SA, a company engaging in construction and real estate operations.

His CV has raised questions about whether he has the proper experience for such a responsibility, though it is worth remembering the case of Gustavo Arribas, former AFI chief during the Macri administration. 

Arribas was a footballer’s agent and Macri acknowledged he gave that position to his friend because he was – as the ex-president said – “sly.”

From AFI to SIDE

One of Milei’s top advisors, presidential advisor and spin doctor Santiago Caputo, took the matter of AFI’s future into his own hands while the President was on an overseas visit. 

Caputo, joined by Eduardo “Lule” Menem, Institutional Management undersecretary, met with Sivori at the Casa Rosada. Neiffert’s name emerged from those talks.

On the record, no official dared accuse anyone of espionage, but afterwards various government sources leaked to the press the unrest in the President’s Office when they found out many of their own were being followed.

Carlos Pagni, the La Nación journalist, wrote an article in which he speculated over Sivori’s exit.

“Is Neiffert coming to the AFI because his predecessor, Silvestre Sívori, investigated links of relevant government figures, especially Santiago Caputo, in his relations with some opposition leaders? 

“This is what was suggested in Caputo’s circle. Or is it like Sívori’s friends claim, that he retired because he refused to spy on politicians and journalists, as was asked of him? Or are both claims true? The feud is progressing,” wrote Pagni.

The truth is that as anticipated by new Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos, the AFI (now SIDE) will report directly to the President’s Office, something which in theory was previously established but which in practice did not happen.

Sívori reported only to Posse, who had recommended him for the position. 

Adorni said this week that the former SIDE will now depend “directly on the President’s Office, as it did in other times, and as we believe it should be.”

– TIMES/PERFIL