Argentine Football Official Embroiled in $1.2M Mansion Money Laundering Probe
A federal judge in Campana, Argentina, has ordered over 30 investigative measures in a case centered around the alleged money laundering connected to the purchase of a sprawling 105,000 square meter mansion in Pilar. The property is linked to Pablo Toviggino, treasurer of the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
The investigation, now under the purview of Judge Adrian González Charvay, gained momentum this week as the magistrate initiated a series of requests for information from public organizations and private companies. These actions represent the first steps taken by González Charvay after receiving the case file last week, according to judicial sources. The case was previously overseen by Economic Criminal magistrate Marcelo Aguinsky before being transferred following a decision by The Federal Chamber of San Martín.
Judge González Charvay has issued 30 presentation orders seeking information, alongside four directives and three requests for expert reports analyzing existing evidence. “The measures are on Pilar’s property, the houses in the Ayres del Pilar country and the vehicles,” a source explained, declining to provide further details to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.
The assets in question are currently registered under the name of Real Central SRL, a company owned by Luciano Pantano and his retired mother, Ana Lucía Conte. However, investigators suspect they are acting as front individuals, as neither possesses the documented financial means to acquire such properties. A leading hypothesis, initially proposed by Judge Aguinsky, suggests the mansion was purchased using funds originating from the AFA.
“The illicit precedent of the alleged money laundering would be constituted by the figure of fraudulent administration,” Judge Aguinsky stated in a previous resolution, referencing Article 173, paragraph 7 of the Penal Code, and its implications for the AFA and its directors.
Evidence gathered thus far points towards Toviggino’s involvement. A raid conducted last December at the property uncovered a bag and a plaque belonging to the Barracas Central club, associated with AFA President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, as well as items linked to the treasurer himself. Further scrutiny revealed that Pantano possessed an AFA corporate card, used to spend an average of 50 million pesos between January and December 2025, despite holding no official position within the organization. These funds were reportedly used to cover toll payments for vehicles registered at the mansion, vehicles with license plates issued in the names of Toviggino’s relatives.
Pantano and Conte initially petitioned for the case to be moved to the Campana justice system, citing the property’s location within Pilar’s jurisdiction. While Judge González Charvay granted this request, Judge Aguinsky objected, arguing that the investigation should encompass both the laundering of funds and their original source. The Chamber of San Martín ultimately sided with González Charvay, ordering the investigation to proceed in Campana.
The change in judicial oversight has sparked controversy. The decision to transfer the case was made by Council of the Judiciary member Alberto Lugones, representing the “Lista Celeste,” a faction closely aligned with Kirchnerism. The ruling was originally slated to be delivered by another Chamber member, Néstor Barral, who extended his vacation, allowing Lugones to assume responsibility.
González Charvay’s established political connections within a segment of Peronism have raised concerns about potential bias. However, sources close to the judge assert that his relationships also extend to mayors affiliated with the PRO party in the suburbs. Having received the case file last week, Judge González Charvay has now initiated the first phase of evidentiary measures, signaling a renewed focus on unraveling the complex financial network surrounding the Pilar mansion.
