US Justice Department Investigates Suspicious AFA Transfers for Potential Money Laundering, Fraud

US authorities, including the FBI and federal prosecutors, are conducting a preliminary investigation into significant financial dealings between Argentina's AFA football association and a Miami-based company, TourProdEnter. The probe is examining potential money laundering, tax evasion, and bank fraud related to millions of dollars in financial movements.

Businessman Guillermo Tofoni confirmed the existence of the confidential investigation, likening its denial to hiding an elephant in a glass shop. While Tofoni avoided confirming specific details due to confidentiality, he indicated he traveled to the United States for a seminar and acknowledged the seriousness and responsibility involved in the matter. He suggested that FBI agents are compiling a list of potential witnesses before officially opening a case.

Tofoni obtained discovery in US courts that he claims demonstrates the diversion of approximately $40 million from over $300 million raised by TourProdEnter. He stated that these financial movements have clear "traceability," meaning they can be tracked by day, hour, and route. Tofoni initiated a fraud lawsuit against the AFA after they terminated a contract to organize friendly matches for the national team, which was set to run until 2030.

María Eugenia Talerico, former vice president of Argentina's Financial Information Unit (UIF), estimated that the transfers and diversions of funds from TourProdEnter, after receiving payments from sponsors like Adidas and Warner, could fall under categories such as money laundering, tax evasion, or bank fraud. The Miami Herald reported that the transactions, involving US banks and Florida-registered entities, have attracted the attention of US authorities. Funds from Adidas and other sponsors were deposited into TourProdEnter accounts at major US banks before approximately $40 million was allegedly diverted to related companies.