Incident in Belgrano and Moyano's Release
Facundo Moyano (41), the son of Argentine union leader Hugo Moyano, was formally charged with minor injuries and unlawful deprivation of liberty in a context of gender violence against his girlfriend, influencer Candela Arizaga (23). After giving a statement before deputy prosecutor Julián Pistone, the court ordered his release, but he remains under strict restrictions while the investigation continues.
According to judicial sources, Moyano is prohibited from approaching the victim within 300 meters and from any form of contact. He must also establish a fixed residence and appear for all summons from the prosecutor's office and the court of Judge Julia Correa.
The incident that triggered the investigation occurred at 5:14 a.m. on August 4, 2026, when security cameras captured Arizaga running half-naked and barefoot along Avenida del Libertador at 5400, in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Belgrano, followed by Moyano. A building superintendent alerted police, and both were intercepted at the intersection of Virrey Vértiz and Sucre.
Toxicology Test and Controversial Search
Arizaga was taken to Pirovano Hospital, where a toxicology test tested positive for cocaine. The forensic doctor only noted a scrape on her knee, attributed to a fall on the street. She was discharged after 5:30 p.m. following medical evaluations.
Arizaga's lawyer, Diego Storto, denounced irregularities during the search of Moyano's apartment. Storto claimed that an unidentified person entered the property while it was under police custody and left with a bag, potentially breaking the chain of custody. He announced he will request the nullification of the procedure. During the search, no drugs were found, but authorities seized two cell phones, a USB device, an Apple Watch, and medications.
Friend's Account: 'A Moment of Paranoia'
In an interview with the program 'Pasó en América', Arizaga's best friend provided her version of events and urged caution regarding circulating reports. She stated it was a 'moment of paranoia' caused by drug use and denied any gender violence.
“It was a situation between them, where they entered a moment of paranoia because of something they were sharing together. It got out of hand. There was no gender violence, as has been said. Yes, she got a little scared because she was disoriented by the situation, as you know, but now she's fine, she's conscious,” the friend said.
She also clarified how Arizaga injured her foot: “She hurt her foot because she ran after the dog, looking for Mafia, who had escaped.” Regarding the couple's relationship, the friend described it as 'very stable' and said they have been together for a long time.
Upon leaving the courthouse in Saavedra, Moyano briefly spoke to the press, saying only: “Everything is clarified.” His defense attorney, Miguel Molina, confirmed that further evidence is pending, including analysis of security cameras and witness testimony.
Sources: Judicial reports, media statements. Original news from Imago.com.ar.