13/07/2026 18:04 - Judiciales
The Federal Oral Court 4 (TOF 4) has made a fundamental decision for Argentine justice by convicting former high-ranking officials Julio De Vido and José López. This resolution arrives after nearly two decades of investigation, demonstrating that the judicial system is capable of investigating and sanctioning complex corruption schemes.
For international readers, it is important to note that Julio De Vido served as the powerful Minister of Federal Planning during the presidencies of Néstor and Cristina Kirchner, making him one of the most influential officials in recent Argentine history. This marks his fifth conviction in corruption cases.
Julio De Vido and José López (former Secretary of Public Works) were sentenced to 5 years in prison and perpetual special disqualification from holding public office for the crime of passive bribery in ideal concurrence with fraudulent administration.
Additionally, Néstor Ulloa (former manager of Nación Fideicomisos) received 5 years in prison, while executives of the Swedish construction company Skanska (Mario Piantoni, Gustavo Vago, and Javier Azcárate) were sentenced to 4 years in prison.
The scandal erupted starting in 2006 under the instruction of Judge Ariel Lijo and Prosecutor Carlos Stornelli. The case investigated the payment of bribes to rig public bidding for the expansion of the TGN and TGS natural gas pipelines, awarding the contracts to Skanska in 2004. This marked the beginning of major investigations into public works corruption during that era.
The tribunal, composed of Néstor Costabel, Jorge Gorini, and María Gabriela López Iñiguez, ordered the confiscation of $34,594,947.34 ARS (for fraudulent administration) and $14,017,588.69 ARS (for bribery).
The trial extended over 47 hearings starting in April 2024, featuring the testimony of 78 witnesses.
The official publication of the sentence is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at 13:30 hours, providing certainty and clarity on the legal process.
Source: Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
