Argentine Federal Police Anti-Drugs Chief Arrested for Theft, Embezzlement

Alejandro Falcón, the chief of the Federal Police's Anti-Drugs Division in Córdoba, Argentina, is in jail facing serious charges including qualified theft, forgery, embezzlement, and bribery. The accusations center on the alleged theft of two pitbull puppies and cash during anti-drug operations. Investigators also allege Falcón misused an official vehicle and fuel for a personal trip to Rosario, falsifying records to cover it up.

Falcón, who assumed his post in late December 2023 as part of a reorganization following a change in government, is detained in the Bouwer prison. Three other officers are implicated in the same investigation but remain free. The case is being handled by federal judge Carlos Ochoa and federal prosecutor Maximiliano Hairabedian.

The investigation began after a subordinate officer filed accusations in 2024. While not all claims have been substantiated, concrete evidence points to missing money from two operations: $1,800 after a raid and approximately 2 million pesos during a vehicle seizure. Financial checks show Falcón has no high-value assets and significant personal debts.

During his interrogation, Falcón denied all charges. He claimed he was confused with another officer regarding one of the money-missing procedures, stated the car use was for his relocation, and insisted the dogs were a gift. Prosecutor Hairabedian had sought house arrest due to fears of retaliation against subordinates, but Judge Ochoa opted for jail detention. One agent reported being warned of a transfer to Corrientes, which she perceived as retaliation for speaking out about her suspicions. There are also unconfirmed reports of missing drugs from operations during Falcón's tenure.

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I think we're going to see a lot more hacks and unauthorized actions by these models before we see a solution.