Private Plane Scandal Threatens Milei's Government in Argentina

Argentina is embroiled in a major political and economic scandal centered on a network of private planes, suspected drug trafficking, and money laundering. At the heart of the investigation is Argentine aviation operator Federico 'Fred' Machado, arrested in 2021 for allegedly leading a structure to traffic cocaine and launder assets using private aircraft. Currently detained in the U.S., Machado recently faced a key hearing before a federal judge in the Eastern District of Texas. This evidence, preserved by Argentine authorities, is crucial for reconstructing an operation involving dozens of suspicious flights. These include at least 38 undeclared private flights during the electoral campaign of then-deputy José Luis Espert, who used aircraft linked to Machado. The San Isidro prosecutor's office has nearly closed its investigation into the Espert-Machado flights, the transfer of around $200,000, and potential ties to drug trafficking. In parallel investigations in the U.S., figures like Leonardo Scatturice, José Luis Espert, and Sergio Daniel Mastropietro have emerged as connected individuals. Scatturice, linked to Donald Trump's circle and the creation of CPAC-associated companies in Argentina, came under scrutiny after at least ten suitcases were imported into the country without customs controls by his business partner. Despite this, Scatturice secured major government contracts and acquired the Flybondi airline and the OCA postal service. Another key figure is Sergio Daniel Mastropietro, who allegedly introduced Machado to Espert and used fake flight invoices to launder money. The investigation has also reached President Javier Milei through his connection to Hayden Davis, who is accused of being a key player in the Libra cryptocurrency scam. This scandal threatens to become one of the most sensitive for Milei's government, with repercussions already extending beyond Argentina's borders.