Argentina moves to criminalize mercenary recruitment and private armies

Deputy Ramiro Gutiérrez of the Frente Renovador introduced a reform to the Argentine Penal Code that would define mercenaries as individuals who provide military services for remuneration outside the limits of international law or national legislation. The bill seeks to criminalize the creation, financing, organization and operation of illicit private armed structures and to increase penalties, especially when such groups threaten national defense, involve minors, or facilitate war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity or terrorism.

The proposal explicitly excludes the Argentine Armed Forces, official police and security forces, United Nations‑mandated missions, licensed private security firms and humanitarian or medical personnel. It is framed as a response to hybrid conflicts and transnational recruitment networks, aiming to preserve the state’s monopoly on the legitimate use of force and protect national security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order. Gutiérrez warned that “behind the business of private war are mafias that recruit young people for money, many of whom are extorted and die in forgotten battlefronts.” International bodies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and UN working groups have previously highlighted the growing threat of private military companies.