Argentina VIP vaccine distribution investigation

An investigation into the ‘vacunatorio VIP’ (VIP vaccination center) scandal in Argentina has expanded to include the beneficiaries of irregular COVID-19 vaccine distributions. The probe examines whether a parallel scheme allowed certain individuals to bypass official priority protocols to receive Sputnik V doses during the Alberto Fernández administration.

Initially, the investigation focused on officials charged with abuse of authority and embezzlement. However, following a federal court order, the inquiry has been deepened to include those who received the doses. Federal prosecutor Eduardo Taiano requested that over 30 individuals be summoned, arguing they may be “necessary participants” in the crime of embezzlement (peculado).

Federal Judge María Eugenia Capuchetti has summoned 34 individuals to testify, including former President Eduardo Duhalde, his wife Hilda “Chiche” Duhalde, former Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana, journalist Horacio Verbitsky, and deputy Eduardo Valdés, alongside various union leaders, legislators, and business figures. Hearings are scheduled to take place between October 2 and December 9 to determine if these individuals received vaccines in official facilities while the state was still prioritizing healthcare workers and high-risk groups. This stage follows a previous phase of the investigation regarding the officials who facilitated irregular access, which has already been moved to oral trial.