# Espert-Machado money‑laundering investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/espert-machado-moneylaundering-investigation
> Updated: 2026-08-05T11:44:14.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In July 2026, former Argentine deputy José Luis Espert appeared in court and declined to give oral testimony in a money‑laundering case linked to his 2019 presidential campaign. The following month, Argentine financier Federico “Fred” Machado was convicted by a U.S. federal judge in Texas of conspiracy to commit money laundering and electronic fraud. Machado, who had been extradited from Argentina, admitted to a scheme involving fraudulent aircraft‑sale companies. His conviction is expected to influence the parallel investigation by Argentine prosecutors into the financing of Espert’s campaign and the former deputy’s alleged misconduct.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: Argentine financier Fred Machado convicted of money laundering and fraud in Texas

Fred Machado, Argentine backer of José Luis Espert, was convicted of money‑laundering and fraud in Texas; sentencing is pending.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentine-financier-fred-machado-convicted-of-money-laundering-and-fraud-in-texas

### 2026-07-07: Argentina ex‑deputy José Luis Espert appears in court, refuses oral testimony in money‑laundering case

José Luis Espert appeared in a San Isidro court, refused oral testimony and submitted a written defense with emails, as prosecutors investigate a $200 k US transfer linked to businessman Fred Machado.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentinas-jos-luis-espert-submits-written-defense-in-moneylaundering-probe

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Cite as: Espert-Machado money‑laundering investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/espert-machado-moneylaundering-investigation