Los Ríos Regional Government investigates $1.3 billion peso fraud probe

The Los Ríos Regional Government in Chile is investigating potential irregularities involving 112 projects under the 'Fondo Vida en Comunidad' 2024-2025 program. An audit has identified possible losses exceeding $1.338 billion pesos and detected dozens of letters where the signature and stamp of a Carabineros officer were allegedly forged. The officer in question has reportedly denied authorizing these signatures.

Regional Governor Luis Cuvertino has commissioned a special committee to conduct an exhaustive review. The investigation is proceeding on two fronts: a criminal investigation and an internal administrative summary. As a result of these findings, the distribution of funds for security-related projects has been halted.

If the loss of public resources is confirmed, the Council of State Defense (Consejo de Defensa del Estado) will be tasked with representing the Regional Government in criminal proceedings. The audit also flagged concerns regarding administrative controls, noting the presence of identical documents, repeated emails, similar quotes, and duplicate lists among the project submissions.