Cerimedo's links to regional governments face scrutiny

Fernando Cerimedo's detention in Bolivia has opened a political front that reaches beyond the criminal investigations against him there. Questions about his work with campaigns, political leaders and presidential circles now extend across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru.

Cerimedo is being held in Bolivia as part of an investigation into an alleged attempt to kill his former partner, Bolivian lawyer and political operative Nadia Beller. He also faces proceedings over alleged illicit enrichment and family and domestic violence.

In Argentina, Javier Milei's government acknowledged that Cerimedo worked on the president's 2023 campaign. Officials also admitted that he entered the Casa Rosada at least 13 times during the first half of 2024. Presidential spokesman Adrián Ravier said Milei had had no relationship with Cerimedo since 2023, while acknowledging that the consultant held meetings at the executive headquarters after Milei took office.

Ravier said those meetings did not involve Milei and ended with Cerimedo's departure from the government. Casa Rosada access records show that several visits were authorized by officials close to the president. On different occasions, Cerimedo was listed as a visitor to the General Secretariat of the Presidency, led by Karina Milei.

In Bolivia, President Rodrigo Paz said Cerimedo assisted his campaign for the 2025 presidential runoff and during the early period of his government. Paz said Cerimedo never had authorization to represent the executive branch or his family, and that there was no contract or direct working relationship. Cerimedo acknowledged a friendship with Paz and described his work as “collaborative,” while denying that he served as an official or influenced the government or its ministers.

Chile's Congress approved a 60-day investigative commission to examine possible connections between Cerimedo and José Antonio Kast's circle in relation to the use of bots in political campaigns. The article also identifies Peru as another country where questions and denials have emerged over Cerimedo's political relationships.

“

Collaborative