Argentina Supreme Court upholds corruption convictions for former officials

Argentina's Supreme Court has upheld several high-profile corruption convictions involving former public officials.

Rafael Resnick Brenner, a former high-ranking official and close aide to Ricardo Echegaray at the AFIP, surrendered to authorities after the Supreme Court ratified his four-year prison sentence. The case, which originated in 2018, involved bribery, extortion, and the granting of illegal benefits to taxpayers during the period between 2009 and 2015. A second trial regarding additional bribery allegations has also been authorized.

Additionally, the Supreme Court finalized an eight-year prison sentence for former Entre Ríos Governor Sergio Urribarri. He was convicted of embezzlement and incompatible negotiations in the exercise of public functions related to the manipulation of official advertising contracts. The ruling also includes a permanent disqualification from holding public office.

In a separate matter, former AFIP Personnel Director Pablo Alejandro Brula received a six-month suspended prison sentence for failing to disclose foreign assets, including a company and properties in Florida, USA, in his sworn declarations. He also faces a permanent ban from public office.