Gonzalo Gómez faces scrutiny after advisor's money laundering conviction

Montevideo councilman Gonzalo Gómez is facing internal scrutiny from the Partido Nacional after his advisor, Pablo Leiva, was convicted of money laundering linked to drug trafficking in ‘Operación Trazador’. Gómez held a press conference admitting to the ‘error’ of hiring Leiva, claiming he was unaware of the illegal activities and had hired him based on a recommendation from Leiva's son, Lucio Leiva.

The Partido Nacional’s Political Affairs Commission described the situation as a matter of “enormous gravity,” noting that the presence of a convicted individual in a position of political trust is highly concerning. The commission recommended that the Ethics Commission investigate the matter and suggested that Gómez take a leave of absence from the party leadership until his responsibilities are clarified. Lucio Leiva has since resigned from his position in the party’s youth wing.

Additionally, the investigation has expanded to include potential links to other figures. An anonymous complaint was filed with the Junta de Transparencia y Ética Pública (Jutep) against Jorge Gandini, a former senator and current director of the Administración Nacional de Puertos, regarding a collection center owned by his wife that may be linked to the money laundering circuit identified in the operation.