Two judges clash again over control of AFA money laundering case

A jurisdictional dispute between two judges has stalled an investigation into alleged money laundering connected to the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The conflict centers on which court, the Federal Economic Criminal Court or the Federal Court of Campana, has the authority to investigate the case. This particular case originated in Santiago del Estero, where the prosecutor had sought the arrest and asset freeze of AFA President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and Treasurer Pablo Toviggino. They are accused of forming illicit associations and money laundering, allegedly using shell companies and networks linked to Toviggino to divert AFA funds. The case landed in the court of Judge Diego Amarante, but his colleague Judge Adrián González Charbay in Campana requested Amarante recuse himself, citing a similar case in his own court. Amarante rejected González Charvay's request, leading to the matter being elevated to the Federal Chamber of San Martín and, simultaneously, to the Economic Criminal Chamber. The ultimate decision on jurisdiction now rests with the Federal Chamber of Criminal Cassation, the highest court below the Supreme Court for criminal matters. This court is scheduled to convene on August 12 to resolve the dispute. This ongoing battle over jurisdiction is one of several related to the AFA, with investigations into alleged financial crimes being prolonged for eight months without a definitive judge. Observers suggest the power of the individuals involved and the significant interests at stake are contributing to the protracted competition for these cases, preventing any thorough advancement on the complaints. The only case that has progressed to the indictment of Tapia and Toviggino, confirmed by the Economic Criminal Chamber, concerns the alleged misappropriation of pension contributions totaling 19 billion pesos.