BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – The National Treasury Procurement agency has launched an internal investigation and initiated a significant purge, fueled by suspicions of “leaks” concerning the international litigation surrounding the YPF expropriation case, according to government sources.
The agency is investigating potential information sales tied to the YPF case, leading to widespread dismissals and restructuring.
- An investigation has begun into alleged “leaks” within the National Treasury Procurement agency regarding the YPF expropriation case.
- Over 60 staff members have been dismissed as part of an “immediate institutional restructuring.”
- Officials suspect information may have been “sold” to interested parties, possibly Burford Capital.
- The purge is reportedly being overseen by Santiago Castro Videla, the second Treasury attorney.
- The YPF case involves a New York court order for Argentina to hand over 51% of the company’s shares.
Did the National Treasury Procurement agency experience significant staff changes due to suspected information leaks? Yes, the agency confirmed over 60 dismissals as part of an institutional restructuring, stemming from suspicions of “leaks” in the YPF expropriation case.
Luis Robayo – AFP
The investigation follows a contentious period for Argentina, particularly after a decision by New York Judge Loretta Preska, which mandated the Argentine State to transfer 51% of YPF’s shares to Burford and Eton Capital. This ruling, stemming from a decade-old claim, reactivated the legal battle two weeks ago.
In response to the suspected breaches, the Treasury Procurement confirmed on Wednesday the implementation of “an immediate institutional restructuring to efficient its operation” and to “contribute to the reduction of public spending.” This restructuring justified “more than 60 disconnects” from the agency, which houses the state’s lawyers. The measure was officially published in the Official Gazette.
Treasury Procurement sources explained that these dismissals are in addition to departures that have occurred since the current administration took office in December 2023. They declined to provide specific numbers for recent departures linked to the leaks, stating only, “No comments.”
The agency’s overhaul also includes reducing its organizational chart from six to four national directorates and dissolving the State Law Corps School.
Earlier, sources in Casa Rosada indicated that the purge, driven by suspicions in the YPF case, is being managed by Santiago Castro Videla, the second Treasury attorney for the current administration. Castro Videla assumed his role in February, succeeding Rodolfo Barra.
“A purge is being made. We believe there were leaks in the YPF case,” a source confirmed, emphasizing the high stakes. Treasury cases often involve billions of dollars, and leaks of confidential judicial strategies could inflict significant damage on the public treasury.
The Daily News
While it remains unclear who specifically benefited from any information leaks, officials consider it “reasonable” to suspect Burford Capital, the fund that acquired the rights related to YPF’s minority shareholders. One primary hypothesis points to a “possible sale of material” to interested parties.
The government has maintained a tight lid on information since the case intensified two weeks ago, prioritizing the success of its judicial strategy. However, suspicions about the internal leaks began to surface, focusing on those within the Treasury Procurement with access to sensitive information. The allegedly leaked material was internal and confidential, meaning it should never have become public.
The current administration’s actions are part of a broader effort to counter the judicial decision affecting the oil company’s fate. While Casa Rosada has avoided directly implicating any specific sectors, unofficial comments have alluded to Carlos Zannini’s tenure at the procurement agency during Alberto Fernández’s presidency, and individuals who worked with him there.
Separately, a judicial investigation involving Zannini has been reactivated. This probe concerns alleged irregularities during the oil re-nationalization process under Cristina Kirchner’s government, which is seen as a precursor to the current legal dispute in New York.
The YPF expropriation claim has been before American courts for over a decade. It gained significant momentum recently following Judge Preska’s order. Since then, Argentina has pursued various measures, including requesting a suspension and confirming an appeal on the substantive issue. On Tuesday, Argentina secured a temporary administrative suspension of the order to hand over the shares. The government, however, denies any ongoing negotiations with the Burford and Eton Park funds.
Pilar Camacho – La Nación
