The News
Tuesday 19 of March 2024

Argentina's Fernandez Charged With State Fraud


A judge in Argentina is charging Fernandez with defrauding the State as part of her government's handling of the futures dollar market.,photo: AP/Francisco Munoz
A judge in Argentina is charging Fernandez with defrauding the State as part of her government's handling of the futures dollar market.,photo: AP/Francisco Munoz
Federal judge Claudio Bonadio describes a scheme to keep the Argentine peso inflated by selling dollars below market value

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez was charged on Friday with defrauding the state as part of her government’s handling of the dollar futures market.

Federal judge Claudio Bonadio said that a scheme to keep the Argentine peso inflated by selling dollars below market value would not have been possible without Fernandez’s approval.

La expresidenta argentina Cristina Fernández saluda a sus partidarios afuera de su apartamento antes de dirigirse a los tribunales en Buenos Aires, el miércoles 13 de abril de 2016. Fernández fue citada a declarar por supuesto fraude al Estado, mientras miles de seguidores le manifestaron su apoyo. (Foto AP/Victor R. Caivano)
Argentina’s ex-president Cristina Fernández Photo: AP/Victor R. Caivano

Bonadio has said this cost the state about $5.2 billion, allowing buyers to make big profits on the transactions. The sales also led to a sharp drop in Central Bank reserves.

Fernandez, who has denied any wrongdoing and says she is the victim of political persecution, can appeal the decision.

Former Economy Minister Axel Kicillof, former Central Bank President Alejandro Vanoli and 12 other former officials were also charged, according to the decision published by the official judicial news agency.

The crime is punishable by 5-20 years in prison.

Fernandez was dogged by corruption allegations during her eight years in the presidency. Since leaving office in December, she has also been included in investigations involving allegations of money laundering and possible illegal enrichment.