Prosecutor Clears Manuel Adorni of Illicit Enrichment Charges
Federal prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita shifts investigation to potential tax evasion charges instead.
1Prosecutor Drops Enrichment Charges
Federal prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita concluded that there is insufficient evidence to charge former official Manuel Adorni with illicit enrichment. After reviewing extensive accounting reports, the prosecution determined that the alleged wealth accumulation did not meet the specific legal criteria required for this criminal offense during his tenure in public office.
2Shift to Tax Evasion
While clearing Adorni of illicit enrichment, Pollicita requested that the case be transferred to the National Economic Penal Justice system. The investigation will now focus on potential tax evasion, as the prosecutor identified significant discrepancies between declared income and actual financial movements involving foreign currency and various digital asset holdings.
3Defense Claims Bitcoin Origins
Adorni’s defense team argued that the primary source of his funds originated from the liquidation of eight Bitcoin addresses. They claimed these assets were accumulated between 2014 and 2018, well before Adorni assumed his role in Javier Milei’s cabinet, providing a timeline that the prosecution could not definitively disprove during the inquiry.
4Legal Timeline Constraints
The law defines illicit enrichment as wealth gained specifically during public service or within two years after leaving office. Because the defense successfully placed the asset formation years before Adorni’s appointment, the prosecutor ruled that the specific crime of illicit enrichment does not apply to the evidence currently presented in court.
5Financial Discrepancies Identified
The investigation highlighted a significant gap between reported income and expenditures. Records showed approximately 229 million pesos in lawful income against 272 million pesos in expenses. Additionally, the probe uncovered over 400,000 dollars in cash transactions, many of which lacked clear documentation or proper justification within his official public salary declarations.
6Inconsistencies in Asset Reporting
Prosecutors noted erratic behavior regarding Adorni’s patrimonial declarations. There were notable divergences between data provided to the crypto exchange Binance and the information submitted to the Anti-Corruption Office. These inconsistencies, combined with the systematic use of cash, prompted the fiscal office to pursue a deeper investigation into potential tax violations.
7Jurisdictional Change Required
Pollicita formally requested that Judge Ariel Lijo declare the current federal court incompetent to handle the matter. By moving the case to the Penal Economic jurisdiction, the judicial system aims to address the alleged tax omissions, which span from 2014 until the assets were eventually exteriorized during the current legal proceedings.
8Broader Implications of Ruling
This decision does not constitute an acquittal for the former official. It represents a procedural shift, acknowledging that while the specific charge of illicit enrichment is not supported, the underlying financial conduct remains subject to scrutiny under national tax laws, requiring a full reconstruction of his tax filings and asset holdings.
Original article: Clarín – Política — Prosecutor Clears Manuel Adorni of Illicit Enrichment Charges