Prosecutor seeks trial for financier Elías Piccirillo in fake operation case

A federal prosecutor has asked for financier Elías Piccirillo, the ex-husband of television personality Jesica Cirio, to face an oral trial. Piccirillo is accused of orchestrating a false operation against his former business partner, Francisco Hauque. The alleged plot included planting drugs and weapons in Hauque's vehicle, which led to the arrest of Hauque and his partner. Prosecutors believe Piccirillo acted out of a debt of approximately $6 million owed to Hauque. Piccirillo is currently detained under house arrest.

The investigation, initially focused on the staged incident, has broadened into a wider probe. This new investigation reportedly examines alleged illicit dealings related to the operation of Argentina's Import System (SIRA). This system was used to purchase official dollars during the administration of former President Alberto Fernández, at a time when the gap between the official and "blue" dollar rates reached 100%. Sergio Massa served as the Economy Minister during that period.

The request for trial also implicates eight other individuals. Among them are former police officer Carlos Smith, who is cooperating with the investigation, and police commissioner Iván Carlos Helguero. The alleged incident occurred in January of the previous year in the Recoleta neighborhood. According to the prosecution, Piccirillo met Hauque for dinner and discussed the debt. While in Hauque's car, Piccirillo allegedly planted a 9-millimeter pistol and two packages of cocaine. He reportedly wore a loose jacket despite the high temperature to conceal the items.