ARSAT former head Facundo Leal faces indictment for corruption

Prosecutors in San Isidro have requested the indictment of Facundo Leal, the former head of the state-owned telecommunications company ARSAT, along with nine other individuals. The investigation focuses on a corruption scheme involving the systematic steering of public contracts to favor the company Argentina Logistic Services (ALS).

According to the prosecution, between late 2020 and 2024, irregular contracts for logistics, transport, and warehouse rentals were awarded to ALS. These maneuvers allegedly resulted in the company receiving approximately 1.7 million USD and over 32 million pesos in exchange for bribes. The investigation was initially triggered by the theft of fiber optic cables from an ALS warehouse used by ARSAT.

Leal, who served during the Alberto Fernández administration and into the Javier Milei administration, is currently under house arrest due to a separate case involving narcotics. Prosecutors have now requested his preventive detention in the ARSAT corruption case, which includes charges of fraudulent administration, bribery, and breach of official duties.