Financier Investigated in SIRA Case Implicates Alberto Fernández: 'He Was Aware of Everything'

Financier Francisco Hauque, currently under investigation for alleged fraud within Argentina's import system (SIRA), has directly implicated former President Alberto Fernández. Hauque stated that Fernández was "aware" of the operations designed to accelerate import approvals.

Speaking on the TN news channel, Hauque also asserted that Matías Tombolini, who served as Secretary of Commerce under Fernández's administration, was similarly informed. "Alberto Fernández knew. Matías Tombolini also knew," Hauque declared, adding that Fernández "participated like in all businesses."

Hauque, reportedly connected to financier Elías Piccirillo, claims he is being threatened and has received police protection. He alleged that Piccirillo and "other dark sectors of power" framed him. Hauque described witnessing "science fiction"-like situations during meetings involving Piccirillo, expressing fear for his safety.

The investigation centers on a parallel system allegedly used to expedite SIRA approvals. Evidence emerged from a forensic analysis of a phone belonging to Martín Migueles, a former associate of Piccirillo. The case, led by federal prosecutor Franco Picardi and Judge Ariel Lijo, is examining access to official dollars during the currency controls and sales to the parallel market, with a new focus on import authorizations granted in 2022 and 2023. Over 50 individuals and companies are reportedly under judicial scrutiny.

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Piccirillo junto a otros sectores oscuros del poder me metieron ‘la droga’. Estoy amenazado y tengo custodia policial. En varias ocasiones estuve sentado en mesas donde compartí mucho con Elías, y en esas reuniones pude presenciar muchas situaciones que parecen de ciencia ficción