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Schoklender Brothers Expand Testimony in $206 Million Corruption Trial

01/07/2026 18:21 - Judiciales

A Landmark Case in Argentina's Fight Against Corruption

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, brothers Sergio and Pablo Schoklender return to the federal courts at Comodoro Py—Argentina's equivalent of a major judicial complex in Buenos Aires—to expand their preliminary statements before the Oral Federal Tribunal 5 (TOF 5). The case revolves around the controversial “Sueños Compartidos” (Shared Dreams) program, which aimed to build social housing across Argentina but ended in scandal.

Understanding the Scandal

The investigation examines the alleged misappropriation of $206 million Argentine pesos in public funds originally allocated for social housing construction between 2007 and 2013. The program was managed by the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo Foundation—a human rights organization founded by Hebe de Bonafini, whose group became famous for protesting against forced disappearances during Argentina's military dictatorship (1976-1983).

For international readers: The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo are iconic figures in Argentine history, known worldwide for their white headscarves and weekly marches demanding answers about their disappeared children. This scandal involved a dark chapter where some leaders allegedly exploited their moral authority for financial gain.


Key Figures Involved

  • Sergio Schoklender: Claims the foundation operated as a political apparatus and denies involvement in price adjustments.
  • Pablo Schoklender: Also facing charges related to fund diversion.
  • Abel Fatala: Former Undersecretary of Public Works, requested to expand his statement.
  • Daniel Freidin: Financier also involved in the proceedings.

What Was "Sueños Compartidos"?

A government-subsidized program to build housing complexes in Buenos Aires, Tigre, Bariloche, Chaco, Santiago del Estero, Misiones, and Rosario.

What went wrong:

  • Fake invoices
  • Rejected checks
  • Overpricing
  • Substandard housing

Shocking Testimonies

Sisters Irma and Adela Pacheco, representatives of the civil association Esperanza de un Cambio, reported that their signatures were forged on documents used to justify budget increases.

Supplier Alfredo García revealed he received 20 checks of $5,000 each that were never honored—effectively stealing his work and materials.

Engineer Francisco Guzmán, an expert witness for the Supreme Court, certified that many homes lacked minimum living conditions. In one case in Bariloche, a family was left without basic services.

Forensic accountant María Eleonora Feser highlighted the absence of documentary support in the foundation's records.

Next Steps

Once the preliminary statements conclude, the tribunal will schedule closing arguments for July 8, 2026, before delivering the final verdict.

Source: Infobae

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