# Autofarma pharmacy chain closure and investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/autofarma-pharmacy-chain-closure-and-investigation
> Updated: 2026-08-26T17:55:10.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

The pharmacy chain Autofarma has announced the closure of its branches in Tierra del Fuego and Santa Cruz after nearly 60 years of operation. The company cited an unsustainable financial crisis caused by a prolonged period of non-payment for services rendered to the Fuegian State Social Work (OSEF).

Autofarma stated that the lack of payment made it impossible to replenish stock or meet obligations to essential suppliers, forcing the company to divert inventory funds to cover urgent debts to workers and other creditors. The company rejected a settlement proposal from OSEF, calling on the Government of Tierra del Fuego to settle outstanding debts immediately.

Subsequent reports indicated that the owners, Daniel and Rubén Llaneza, are reportedly under investigation by Federal Justice regarding alleged involvement in laundering funds through international structures and offshore businesses. 

The closure has triggered shifts in the regional pharmaceutical retail landscape. In response to the vacancy left by Autofarma, Grupo Prisma has announced plans to launch its own network of pharmacies and perfumeries across Santa Cruz, having already secured leases in Río Gallegos. The group is reportedly interviewing former Autofarma staff to absorb as many employees as possible into its new operations. Concurrently, Farmacias Patagónicas is expanding its regional presence with a new branch in Puerto Madryn.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Pharmacy retail shifts in Patagonia as Autofarma closes

The pharmacy chain Autofarma has closed after sixty years in Santa Cruz, prompting Grupo Prisma to launch a new retail network and absorb staff, while Farmacias Patagónicas expands in Puerto Madryn.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pharmacy-retail-shifts-in-patagonia-as-autofarma-closes

### 2026-08-18: Autofarma pharmacy chain closes operations in Patagonia

The Patagonian pharmacy chain Autofarma has closed after 60 years, citing financial instability and unpaid debts, amid investigations into the owners' alleged involvement in money laundering.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/autofarma-pharmacy-chain-closes-operations-in-patagonia

### 2026-08-15: Autofarma announces closure of branches after 60 years

Autofarma is closing its branches after nearly 60 years of operation, citing an unsustainable financial crisis caused by unpaid services from OSEF and debt owed by the Tierra del Fuego government.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/autofarma-announces-closure-of-branches-after-60-years

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Cite as: Autofarma pharmacy chain closure and investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/autofarma-pharmacy-chain-closure-and-investigation