Argentina corruption probe: Court upholds charges against former ANDIS head

An Argentine appeals court has upheld corruption charges against Diego Spagnuolo, the former head of the National Disability Agency (ANDIS). Spagnuolo faces charges including passive bribery, aggravated fraud against the national public administration, and negotiations incompatible with public office. The investigation centers on an alleged bribery scheme involving overpriced procurement contracts for drugs and supplies under the Incluir Salud program between December 2023 and October 2025.

The court confirmed charges against 18 other suspects, alleging they used shell bidders to simulate competitive bidding. The scandal gained prominence following leaked audio recordings that implicated the Presidency Secretary, Karina Milei, and her associate Lule Menem in the scheme. While the audio suggested Karina Milei received a 3% cut of bribes, she has not been prosecuted, and the government has denied all involvement.

In a related development, Bolivian lawyer and activist Nadia Beller provided testimony via videoconference to Argentine federal prosecutor Franco Picardi. Beller, the former partner of political consultant Fernando Cerimedo, ratified her previous public accusations regarding Karina Milei’s alleged involvement in corruption within ANDIS. Beller, who recently survived a shooting in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, stated she has made her mobile phone contents available to Argentine authorities to assist the investigation.