The accusation against Former president Alberto Fernández and two others is of embezzlement of public resources, violation of the duties of a public official and abuse of authority| Image Source: EFE/Antonio Lacerda
In recent news, the Federal Public Ministry of Argentina has leveled serious allegations against the former president Alberto Fernández (2019-2023) and two other individuals. This follows evidence suggesting a possible embezzlement of public resources within the National Social Security Administration (Anses), the official social security body of the country.
The prosecution’s accusations also extend to Alberto Pagliano, the former leader of the state-owned company Nación Seguros SA, and Héctor Martínez Sosa, who is married to Fernández’s secretary, according to the newspaper Clarín.
Preliminary investigations and a report from Clarín have shed light on irregularities that were brought about by a 2021 presidential decree. This decree imposed an obligation on the public sector to use Nación Seguros exclusively for retirees’ insurance coverage.
The complaints pointed out that Nación Seguros would subcontract intermediaries for these contracts, who would then receive a commission of 17%. This is three times higher than the market rate and resulted in earnings reaching up to 20 billion Argentine pesos per year (equivalent to R$ 120 million in current values).
Based on these allegations, Fernández and the others mentioned have been accused of embezzlement of public resources, violation of the duties of a public official, and abuse of authority.
Given these complaints, the Federal Public Ministry plans to request a series of authorizations from the Court for measures aimed at gathering evidence.
Furthermore, the Anti-Corruption Office of the new president, Javier Milei, has requested access to information on the case with the goal of requesting entry into the legal process as a plaintiff.
