Argentine Football Association Embroiled in Money Laundering Investigation Following Lavish Property Finding
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A judicial probe has been launched into the finances of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) following the discovery of a sprawling estate filled with luxury vehicles, prompting allegations of money laundering and the use of frontmen. The investigation, spurred by a complaint filed by the Civic Coalition, centers on a five-hectare mansion in Pilar, known as Villa rosa, and its connection to AFA officials.
Judge Summons DGI Director Amidst Growing Scrutiny
Economic criminal judge Marcelo aguinsky has summoned Mariano Mengochea, the new director of the Dirección general de Impuestos Internos (DGI – Argentina’s Internal Revenue Service), to court to assist in the investigation. This action follows a extensive opinion from prosecutor Claudio Naval Rial recommending a battery of investigative measures focused on companies allegedly linked to Pablo Toviggino, the AFA treasurer and close aide to AFA President Claudio Tapia.
Key figures and Companies Under Investigation
The investigation focuses on several individuals and companies, including Pablo Toviggino, AFA Treasurer; Carlos Pantano, a futsal association linked to the AFA, who held a position in the treasury of the Almirante Brown Club and was reportedly in debt by over $2,000,000 at the time of the complaint; and Conte, a retired self-employed worker who received emergency pandemic relief payments from Anses. Maurio Javier Paz, responsible for Malte SRL, is a director of a women’s football association associated with the AFA. Central Park Drinks and Real Central are also central to the probe.
Raids and Seized Evidence
Last week, Judge Aguinsky ordered the secrecy of the investigation and raided an accounting firm in Lomas de Zamora seeking documentation related to the companies involved. though, the accountant reportedly did not maintain signature documents at the office, with materials believed to be stored on a computer and within the DGI databases. Investigators are now tracing this information and examining the notary involved in the corporate transfers between central Park Drinks and Real Central, including a capital injection. The villa was purchased by Real Central from Malte SRL for $1.8 million.
Malte SRL shares an address with Pablo Toviggino’s HT company in Santiago del Estero,and vehicles found on the property are registered to Toviggino’s relatives. Judge Aguinsky is preparing to launch a series of investigative measures this Friday, with the possibility of extending court operations during the summer judicial recess due to the volume of pending actions.
Tevez’s Tweet Sparks Investigation
The investigation gained momentum following a social media post by former Argentine international Carlos Tevez on March 5, 2024. Tevez alluded to illicit activities, suggesting Toviggino was “burying bags” brought from Qatar and China at the Pilar estate – a reference to potential undeclared funds. Tevez’s message followed a dispute with Toviggino on X (formerly Twitter) regarding a match result. Toviggino responded to Tevez’s criticism with a dismissive remark, prompting Tevez’s accusations.
This tweet prompted action from Elisa Carrió and the Civic Coalition, who formally filed a complaint against Pantano and Conte for alleged money laundering.
Hypotheses Under Investigation
Investigators are exploring several potential sources of illicit funds, including undeclared earnings from international matches in Qatar and China, the acquisition of dollars at favorable exchange rates and subsequent black market transactions, alleged clandestine flights transporting illicit goods, and the illegal appropriation of land in Santiago del Estero.These hypotheses stem from existing complaints processed in federal courts in Santiago del Estero, Campana, and Catamarca.
“In this case,the revelations occurred in reverse order compared to a typical criminal investigation,” explained an investigator. “Usually, we detect the criminal organization first, then trace the money laundering. Here,we discovered the assets first,and are now working backward to identify the underlying crime.”
Conte and Pantano are scheduled to provide explanations to judge Aguinsky on December 29, underscoring the urgency to secure evidence. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities meticulously examining financial records and pursuing all available leads to uncover the full extent of the alleged scheme.
