13/06/2026 21:19 - Politica
Una persona declarando ante cámaras en un estudio de televisión con expresión seria y preocupada, micrófonos visibles, iluminación de noticiero profesional, fondo institucional azul
In a bombshell interview on Argentine news program ¿La Ves? broadcast on TN (Todo Noticias), financier Francisco Hauque made serious accusations against Alberto Fernández, who served as President of Argentina from 2019 to 2023. Hauque claimed the former president "was fully aware" of the corruption scheme currently under investigation.
Context for International Readers: Alberto Fernández was Argentina's president during a period of severe economic crisis, marked by high inflation, currency controls, and strict import restrictions. His administration ended in December 2023 when he chose not to seek re-election.
Key Claim: "He participated as he did in all businesses," Hauque stated regarding Fernández's alleged involvement in the scheme.
The SIRA case (named after Sistema Integral de Importaciones Argentinas – Argentine Integral Import System) investigates an alleged bribery network that operated during Fernández's administration.
The Scheme Explained: Under Argentina's strict currency controls, businesses needed government permits to import goods and access official US dollars at preferential exchange rates. Prosecutors allege that officials and intermediaries collected bribes to fast-track these import permits, creating a lucrative black market.
This case is particularly significant because Argentina has struggled with foreign currency shortages, leading to multiple exchange rates and a thriving parallel dollar market known locally as the "dólar blue".
| Name | Role | Alleged Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| Elías Piccirillo | Businessman (now deceased) | Central figure accused of collecting bribes; killed during investigation |
| Matías Tombolini | Former Secretary of Commerce | Accused of having knowledge of operations |
| Juan Pablo Biondi | Former Secretary of Communication (2019-2021) | Allegedly connected by Valeria Fernández to the scheme |
| Miguel Ángel Pesce | Former Central Bank President | Accused of being aware of operations |
| Valeria Fernández | External auditor at Central Bank | Currently indicted; allegedly brought the "business model" to Biondi |
The financier strongly denied having a business partnership with Elías Piccirillo: "I only lent him money", he stated, specifying the amount as approximately USD 3,000,000.
Regarding his own involvement, Hauque claimed he lacks technical knowledge: "I don't have the knowledge of how that scheme worked", referring to the illegal operations through currency exchange houses.
Important: Hauque and Piccirillo are what Argentines colloquially call "perejiles" (a slang term meaning "fall guys" or scapegoats) in this investigation, according to Hauque's own statement.
He added that he witnessed situations that "seem like science fiction" during meetings with Piccirillo and other figures.
In a concerning development, Hauque revealed he is under police protection: "I am threatened and have police custody".
He made a striking statement about the risks of speaking out: "Being on your program is a life insurance policy", highlighting the dangers faced by those who speak about powerful interests.
Hauque also alleged that "Piccirillo along with dark sectors of power" attempted to frame him, claiming they "planted drugs" on him.
Tragic Context: Elías Piccirillo was killed in Puerto Madero (an upscale neighborhood in Buenos Aires) during the course of the investigation, adding gravity to Hauque's safety concerns.
This scandal represents one of several corruption investigations involving the previous Argentine administration. The SIRA case highlights systemic issues with Argentina's import restrictions, a policy tool governments use to protect foreign reserves but which can create opportunities for corruption.
For international observers, this case illustrates the ongoing challenges of governance and accountability in Argentina, a country that has faced repeated economic crises and corruption scandals affecting investor confidence and international relations.
Source: TN (Todo Noticias) – June 12, 2026
Alfredo S. Quiroga
Conspiraciones