Kirchner's ex-pilot confirms flying secretary with locked suitcases to Santa Cruz

Sergio Oscar Velázquez, a former pilot for Néstor Kirchner, testified in the "Cuadernos de las Coimas" (Notebooks of Bribes) trial, confirming he transported Daniel Muñoz, Kirchner's private secretary, to Santa Cruz on "three or four" occasions. These exclusive flights carried locked suitcases, which Velázquez found noteworthy due to their weight and the presence of padlocks.

"I found it striking that it was difficult for him to maneuver it a bit and that it was a suitcase that had a lock," Velázquez stated, recalling the trips that occurred over 20 years ago. He estimated the suitcases returned empty, as Muñoz handled them with ease upon their return. Velázquez gained Kirchner's trust as a pilot during his tenure as governor of Santa Cruz, later being specially arranged to pilot the presidential aircraft, Tango 01.

Velázquez described general flights with the Kirchners, often destined for El Calafate or Río Gallegos. He recalled helicopters waiting for the presidential couple, who would disembark with secretaries and luggage. "There were not only suitcases but also garment bags or what women used to carry their clothes," he said. The pilot's testimony is crucial for prosecutors who believe the alleged funds from public works projects were ultimately destined for Santa Cruz, with the Kirchner family's apartment in Recoleta being another stop, according to related testimonies.

Velázquez also shared anecdotes illustrating Kirchner's reliance on him. He recounted Kirchner's concern about thunderstorms, stating, "I don't like lightning. I'm not afraid of the wind; I grew up in the wind." Kirchner even requested Velázquez's presence on chartered flights where he wasn't piloting, asking him to speak with the pilots if issues arose. This level of trust was so high that Kirchner reportedly did not allow Velázquez to attend his daughter's 15th birthday celebration.