Investigation sought for Eduardo and Chiche Duhalde, Verbitsky, and 30 others over "VIP vaccination" scandal

Federal prosecutor Eduardo Taiano has requested investigations into former president Eduardo Duhalde, his wife Hilda "Chiche" Duhalde, journalist Horacio Verbitsky, along with union leaders, legislators, and approximately 30 other individuals. The probe centers on their alleged use of a "VIP vaccination" system that operated within the Ministry of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic, under the presidency of Alberto Fernández.

Federal Judge María Eugenia Capuchetti will now determine whether to proceed with the inquiries for all, some, or none of the named individuals. Prosecutor Taiano's request stems from a two-year-old Federal Chamber decision that mandated a deeper investigation. This decision aimed to scrutinize not only the officials who authorized the preferential vaccinations but also those who received them, bypassing the official queue.

The first phase of the case, focusing on officials who authorized the VIP vaccinations, has already been elevated to an oral and public trial. This part is being handled by the Federal Oral Court 6, which currently has all its positions vacant. Three defendants are already facing trial for abuse of authority and embezzlement: Marcelo Ariel Guille, former secretary to the then-Minister of Health Ginés González García; Alejandro Salvador Costa, former Undersecretary of Health Strategies; and Alejandro Alberto Maceira, former executive director of the Posadas Hospital.

Horacio Verbitsky's radio confession initially exposed the scandal. Ginés González García, the minister at the time, resigned in February 2021 shortly after his processing was confirmed; he later passed away at 79. The current request for investigation includes Eduardo and Chiche Duhalde; businessman Seza Manukian; Verbitsky; businessman Florencio Aldrey and his family members; Félix Eulogio Guille, father of Marcelo Guille; deputy Jorge Taiana; deputy Eduardo Valdés; María Eva and Juliana Duhalde, daughters of the former president; and numerous other individuals, including relatives of former officials and journalists.