Brothers charged with fraud and criminal association over brokerage firm's collapse

Brothers Pedro and Carlos Pérez, the owners of the brokerage firm Pérez Marexiano, have been formally charged with fraud and criminal association by a judge specializing in organized crime. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting their potential involvement in illicit activities.

The charges follow the Central Bank of Uruguay's (BCU) decision in late October 2025 to intervene in the company, citing "serious breaches." At that time, the BCU suspended the firm's operations and replaced its statutory authorities, including Carlos and Pedro Pérez, stripping them of their senior management roles.

As precautionary measures, the Pérez brothers are prohibited from leaving the country for 180 days and must maintain a fixed domicile. The BCU had previously appointed an administrator, Ana Chaves, to oversee the intervention and reported the findings to the Public Ministry for potential criminal investigation.

This case also involves a former employee, Ignacio González Palombo, who was previously charged in February with fraud and document forgery. He reportedly acted as a "hidden link" between the firm and investors after his official departure, leading some clients to believe he still represented the brokerage.

“

The defendant generated confidence