14/06/2026 21:26 - Politica
Una mansión lujosa de estilo moderno con amplios jardines, pileta y autos de alta gama estacionados, vista aérea que muestra la magnitud de la propiedad
The National Criminal Economic Chamber made a crucial ruling in the case investigating alleged money laundering linked to officials of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). For international readers, AFA is the governing body of Argentine soccer, one of the most powerful sports organizations in the country. Chamber judges Roberto Hornos and Carolina Robiglio signed the resolution determining that the investigation must continue in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA)—the federal capital—rather than in Campana, a city in Buenos Aires Province where the defense had sought to move the case.
The mansion located in Pilar—an exclusive gated community area about 50 kilometers north of Buenos Aires, known for its luxury real estate—represents the focal point of the judicial investigation. According to official documentation:
| Asset | Declared Value | Actual Value |
|---|---|---|
| Mansion in Pilar | $1.8 million | $17 million |
| Collection Cars | Not declared | $4 million |
The company Real Central SRL appears as the registered owner of the property. The formally accused in the case are Luciano Pantano and Ana Conte, who have connections to the company.
For readers unfamiliar with Argentine law: jurisdiction shopping is when defendants attempt to move a case to a court they believe will be more favorable. The defense attempted to transfer the case from federal courts in Buenos Aires City to Campana, potentially seeking a less rigorous investigation environment.
The chamber judges determined that Federal Criminal Economic Court No. 10 is the competent jurisdiction. The case now returns to Judge Verónica Straccia, who will oversee the next phase of the investigation.
Formally Accused:
Original Complainants:
Presiding Judge:
Verónica Straccia
Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia is the president of AFA. Pablo Toviggino serves as treasurer. Both were referenced in the case title, suggesting investigators suspect their involvement, though they are not formally charged. The case could expand to include more officials.
The case originated from a complaint filed by Elisa Carrió—a veteran Argentine politician known for anti-corruption advocacy—and Facundo Del Gaiso, a political activist. The complainants alerted authorities to potential irregularities in the acquisition and declaration of the property, as well as the origin of funds used for its purchase.
The substantial difference between the real value of the mansion ($17 million) and the amount declared in the deed ($1.8 million) constitutes one of the central elements of the investigation, suggesting possible tax evasion and money laundering.
The case returns to the Federal Criminal Economic Court No. 10, where Judge Verónica Straccia must continue the investigation. In the coming weeks, new investigative measures are expected, which could include summons for testimony and requests for information from public and private organizations. For Argentine football, this represents another chapter in ongoing investigations into the business side of the sport.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
Conspiraciones