Argentina: Judicial updates in LIBRA fraud and Vega murder cases

In Argentina, judicial developments are unfolding in two distinct criminal investigations.

In the investigation into the murder of 14-year-old Agostina Vega, forensic analysis of Claudio Barrelier’s mobile device has yielded significant evidence. Investigators recovered deleted content and identified 377 searches related to the victim and sexual content, including terms such as “child sexual abuse,” “stepdaughter,” and “stepfather.” The prosecution alleges Barrelier used a position of trust as the victim's former stepfather to facilitate the crime. Consequently, Barrelier has been newly charged with possession of child sexual abuse material.

Separately, the Federal Chamber has ruled that the Juzgado Federal N°8, which is handling the “LIBRA” cryptocurrency fraud case, will also oversee the investigation into public statements made by lawyer Nadia Beller. Beller, the former partner of Fernando Cerimedo, had made allegations regarding potential corruption involving the sister of President Milei. While the Chamber noted that Beller’s comments were “generic references to alleged acts of corruption” lacking specific details for an independent investigation, the statements will be analyzed within the existing LIBRA case file.