Businessman, Police Arrested in Argentina Money Laundering Probe

Businessman Leandro Pérez, known for a past relationship with celebrity Vicky Xipolitakis, and several police officers have been arrested in Rosario, Argentina. Authorities are investigating a money laundering scheme allegedly fueled by illegal drug sales.

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In the framework of Plan Bandera, promoted by the National Security Ministry to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in Santa Fe, agents of the Federal Department of Investigations (DFI) of the Argentine Federal Police (PFA) dismantled an organization dedicated to laundering assets from drug trafficking.

The police operation, named "Operativo Lava Jato," targeted an organization suspected of laundering funds from drug trafficking. According to official statements, the investigation began in October 2024 when prosecutors ordered a financial review of five individuals, including police officers and local businessmen. Financial analysis revealed discrepancies between declared assets and reported economic activity, prompting a deeper inquiry.

Investigators reconstructed the organization's financial operations, which reportedly involved reinvesting drug money into legitimate businesses like car dealerships, construction firms, and metallurgical companies. This process aimed to disguise the illegal origin of the funds. The case is being handled by the Federal Court No. 3 of Rosario, with involvement from the Prosecutor's Office for Economic Crimes and Money Laundering.

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The investigation began on October 3, 2024, when Procelac ordered a patrimonial report on five individuals from Rosario: three linked to the Santa Fe Police and two local businessmen.

During simultaneous raids across Rosario and surrounding areas, authorities seized money, vehicles, documents, computer equipment, and a firearm. The investigation is part of a broader national plan to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in the Santa Fe province.

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The maneuver consisted of reinserting funds presumably from drug trafficking into the formal economy through investments in car dealerships, construction companies, metallurgical firms, and other commercial ventures, with the objective of giving a lawful appearance to money of illegal origin.