Kovalivker Brothers Refuse Testimony in ANDIS Overpricing Case
Executives from Suizo Argentina submit written statements denying illicit association and corruption allegations.
1Courtroom Silence Strategy
Jonathan and Emmanuel Kovalivker, associated with the pharmaceutical firm Suizo Argentina, appeared at the Comodoro Py federal courthouse this Wednesday. Represented by lawyer Martín Magram, both brothers chose not to testify orally before prosecutor Franco Picardi. Instead, they submitted written statements rejecting charges of illicit association and incompatible negotiations with public functions.
2Allegations of Agency Capture
The investigation centers on claims that Suizo Argentina effectively captured the National Disability Agency (ANDIS) between May 2024 and August 2025. Prosecutors allege the company controlled high-cost medication purchases and managed a cartel of 14 firms. During this 15-month period, the company reportedly received payments totaling over 137 billion Argentine pesos.
3Defense Claims Marginal Impact
In their legal filings, the Kovalivker brothers argued that business with ANDIS represented a marginal percentage of their total sales. They cited figures of 2.14% in 2023, 4.22% in 2024, and 3.14% through October 2025. They maintained that the company, with over 100 years of history, operates independently of state agency decision-making processes.
4Challenging Evidence Integrity
The defense team is actively seeking the nullification of the fiscal investigation. Lawyer Martín Magram argued that the audio evidence used against the defendants is of dubious origin and potentially manipulated. Consequently, they requested the annulment of search warrants, the seizure of electronic devices, and the lifting of bank and tax secrecy orders.
5Corporate Executive Testimony
Sebastián Nuner Uner, director of corporate affairs at Suizo Argentina, also submitted a written defense this week. He rejected all imputations, claiming no evidence links his actions or signatures to ANDIS operations. He specifically challenged the prosecutor's interpretation of common nicknames in intercepted conversations, calling the accusations prejudiced and lacking objective elements.
6Asset Inhibition Measures
Judge Ariel Lijo has ordered a general inhibition of assets for 36 of the 40 individuals currently under investigation. This judicial measure aims to prevent the dissipation of assets during the ongoing legal process. The list includes the Kovalivker brothers, various high-ranking employees of the pharmaceutical firm, and several other laboratory business owners.
7Specific Defense Arguments
Emmanuel Kovalivker specifically addressed recorded conversations with Pablo Atchabahian, labeling them as sporadic and unrelated to the current case. He stated these interactions concerned a private logistics project for hospital antibiotics that ultimately failed. He insisted he never participated in price-fixing, sales negotiations, or any operations involving public agencies like ANDIS.
8Broader Legal Implications
The case represents a significant probe into the intersection of private pharmaceutical interests and public health administration. With 40 individuals summoned for inquiry, the outcome could redefine oversight protocols for state drug procurement. Observers are now waiting to see how the court rules on the defense's request to nullify the primary evidence.
Original article: Perfil — Kovalivker Brothers Refuse Testimony in ANDIS Overpricing Case