Argentine prosecutor seeks action against airport regulator chief and predecessor over alleged bribes

Federal prosecutors in Argentina have launched an investigation into alleged corruption and illicit enrichment within the National Airport System Regulatory Agency (ORSNA). The probe, initiated by a complaint filed on June 3, 2026, by national deputy Marcela Pagano, is being led by federal prosecutor Ramiro González.

González has requested evidence to reconstruct the agency's internal operations and determine if public funds were mismanaged. The investigation comes shortly after the arrest of former ORSNA president Facundo Leal in a separate case related to his tenure at ARSAT. The complaint alleges that a power structure linked to Leal not only persisted after his departure but also consolidated under the current leadership.

A key focus of the investigation is the financial standing of top officials. Prosecutor González has sought reports on the economic and financial situations of Facundo Leal, current ORSNA president Noelia Florencia Ruiz, vice president Lucila Belén Pagani, and controller Facundo Gaitán. The aim is to compare their financial evolution with allegations of high incomes and potential misuse of state resources.

Additionally, the prosecution has requested personal files for the four officials to scrutinize their appointments, professional backgrounds, and salaries. The complaint suggests that administrative changes during the current management led to salary increases and a concentration of strategic functions. The handling of works funded by the National Airport System Strengthening Trust (FFSNA) is also under scrutiny, with allegations of contract awards concentrated among a few construction firms, including Agro, Lemiro Pietroboni, Cemisa, and Centro Construcciones. The prosecutor has asked for details on all works awarded to these companies since January 1, 2025, and whether bidding processes, certifications, and payments faced any challenges.