01/07/2026 15:11 - Judiciales
The investigation into alleged illicit enrichment against Manuel Adorni gained new momentum this Wednesday with statements from two officials who admitted lending their credit cards for million-peso purchases, which the then presidential spokesperson would later pay in cash.
Gisela Kocsis, Adorni's former private secretary, testified before federal prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita at the Comodoro Py federal courts (Argentina's equivalent of a federal justice center), admitting to purchases exceeding $8.1 million pesos in sheets and linens to furnish the former official's home at Country Indio Cuá — an exclusive gated community located in the province of Corrientes. Additionally, she purchased pillows worth $400,000 pesos and high-end appliances — a washing machine and dishwasher — totaling over $3.1 million pesos.
Note: All amounts are in Argentine pesos. At current exchange rates, $139 million pesos represents a significant sum, though the peso has experienced severe devaluation in recent years.
Gisela Kocsis — Former private secretary at the Presidential Spokesperson's Office. She acknowledged before authorities using her card for Adorni's personal purchases, with him later reimbursing her in cash.
Luis Enrique Alujú — Coordinator and close friend of Adorni for 11 years. He admitted purchasing two 4K projectors and possessing an extension of the former official's credit card.
Laura Schiuma — Acquaintance of Adorni for 16 years. She stated that she lent her card to purchase a Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 gaming monitor for $2,185,000 pesos.
According to preliminary calculations by investigators based on bank statements incorporated into the case, Adorni spent approximately $139 million pesos in credit card purchases between December 2023 and March 2026, a period during which he served first as presidential spokesperson and later as Cabinet Chief (Chief of Staff).
This amount would far exceed the salaries received by the former official: $3.5 million pesos monthly until late 2025 and subsequently $7.6 million pesos after his promotion to Cabinet Chief position.
The Cabinet Chief (Jefe de Gabinete) in Argentina is the second-highest ranking official in the executive branch after the President, responsible for coordinating government ministries. The position carries significant political influence and a substantial salary, though the peso's dramatic devaluation means these figures must be understood within Argentina's complex economic context.
Manuel Adorni resigned on June 27, 2026 after information surfaced about a 775% increase in his net worth (from $20 million to $944 million pesos according to some reports). Authorities are investigating whether this increase can be justified by his declared income.
Beyond credit card expenses, the case investigates other cash payments, such as the USD 245,000 that contractor Matías Tabar declared receiving for renovations at the Indio Cuá property. A cryptocurrency investment of approximately USD 500,000 that Adorni recently declared under Argentina's money laundering program (known locally as "blanqueo") is also being analyzed.
Prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita requested a technical report on Bitcoin's valuation over the last 13 years and a complete patrimonial analysis from DAFI (Dirección de Análisis Financiero e Investigación — Argentina's Financial Intelligence Unit, similar to FINCEN in the US). Once these reports are received, authorities will evaluate whether to formally request the former official to present a patrimonial justification or summon him for questioning.
The prosecution awaits DAFI's report to determine whether a patrimonial imbalance exists that would be incompatible with Adorni's income. If confirmed, Judge Ariel Lijo could summon the former Cabinet Chief for formal questioning. Meanwhile, investigators are also examining the assets of his wife, Bettina Angeletti, and analyzing public statements made by the former official regarding cryptocurrencies before his entry into government.
Sources: La Voz del Interior | Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
