Ex‑Senator Edgardo Kueider Sentenced to Suspended Two‑Year Prison Term in Paraguay

Paraguayan judges convicted former Argentine senator Edgardo Kueider and his partner Iara Guinsel of attempted cash smuggling. The Specialized Economic Crimes Court sentenced Kueider to two years’ imprisonment with suspension of execution, while Guinsel received a one‑year‑ten‑months suspended term. Both had already served 18 months of house arrest with electronic monitoring after being detained on 4 December 2024 at the Brazil‑Paraguay Friendship Bridge, where customs officials found more than US$200,000 in cash, Argentine pesos and Paraguayan guaraníes that were not declared.

Kueider denounced the ruling, saying “No corresponde pedir disculpas por un delito que no cometí” and called the decision “un fallo cuestionable,” announcing he will appeal. He also faces separate Paraguayan investigations for alleged illegal purchase of luxury apartments and possible money‑laundering, and Argentina has requested his extradition in related enrichment and bribery cases.