Argentine school director faces fraud charges over 9 years of leave

A rural school director in Misiones, Argentina, is under criminal investigation for allegedly defrauding the state by accumulating an extraordinary number of leave days. Juan Carlos Kategora, who led the Provincial School No. 733 in San Vicente, amassed 3,363 days of leave over 18 years, equivalent to more than nine years of missed classes. The complaint, filed by provincial deputy Cristian Castro, seeks to determine if Kategora's actions constitute fraud against public administration and repeated falsification of public documents.

The case gained attention after being revealed by the digital media outlet Revista Enterate. The General Education Council has confirmed an administrative inquiry into Kategora's leaves and a potential conflict of interest with his role at the provincial energy company, EMSA. Kategora's position at EMSA reportedly stemmed from a family connection to the company's former president.

Castro's complaint requests a review of Kategora's employment records at both the education sector and EMSA to compare granted leaves with his activity at the energy company. This analysis aims to clarify any incompatibilities and determine the salaries received from each entity during the investigated periods. Notably, in 2026 alone, Kategora had registered 101 days of leave for long-term treatment and 45 for caring for a sick relative, in addition to a 80% salary bonus for working in a disadvantaged rural area.

Further complicating the investigation, a request has been made to national migration authorities for Kategora's travel records between 2006 and 2026. Social media posts appear to show him traveling to destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Aruba. The justice system will now cross-reference these travel dates with his registered leaves from the education department to ascertain any discrepancies.