Paraguay judge orders alternative measures for businessmen in money laundering case

A Paraguayan judge has imposed alternative measures to pre-trial detention for two businessmen accused of involvement in a money laundering scheme. Judge Humberto Otazú ruled that José Fernando Cousirat and Amado Andrés Torales Benega will not be imprisoned while their case, which links them to former Argentine senator Edgardo Kueider and his partner Iara Guinsel, is ongoing. The two men have been indicted by prosecutors Luz Guerrero and Verónica Valdez of the Specialized Unit for Economic Crimes and Anti-Corruption (Udea) for money laundering. They are considered co-authors in the alleged scheme alongside Kueider and Guinsel. As part of the court's decision, Cousirat and Torales are required to reside at their declared addresses, report to the court during the first five days of each month, and appear whenever summoned. They are also prohibited from changing their mobile phone numbers without prior court authorization and are barred from leaving the country. Previously, Judge Otazú had ordered the two men to provide a real bond of 300 million Paraguayan guaranis to ensure their full compliance with the ongoing legal process. The investigation suggests that Kueider, who visited Paraguay multiple times as a tourist since 2016, and Guinsel, who arrived later, may have introduced irregular funds into the country. These funds are allegedly linked to favors granted during Kueider's tenure as a legislator in Argentina, where he also faces investigations for illicit enrichment.