Ex-official alleges "up to 40%" overpricing in Kirchner-era public works at corruption trial

Javier Iguacel, former head of Argentina's National Road Directorate, testified in the "notebooks of bribes" trial, alleging that public works under the previous administration of Cristina Kirchner involved overpricing of up to 40%. Appearing as a witness before Federal Oral Court 7, Iguacel described "false bidding processes" and advance payments for projects that were used to pay bribes. His testimony focused on road works connected to the "Camarita" case, an offshoot of the "notebooks" investigation into alleged bid-rigging in public works. Iguacel detailed how a select group of businessmen, including those from the Chamber of Construction, allegedly colluded to pre-determine project awards and bribe amounts. Financier Ernesto Clarens reportedly received these payments in pesos, which he then converted and transferred to final recipients. Clarens stated that he received approximately $300,000 weekly in pesos from these businessmen, along with notations indicating the amount and purpose of the payment. Carlos Wagner, former president of the Chamber of Construction, is accused of orchestrating this illegal collection system, which allegedly nominated companies to win bids even if they lacked the required legal standing. This testimony adds further detail to the ongoing investigation into systemic corruption within public works contracts during the Kirchner era.

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false bidding processes