In the midst of a federal investigation seeking to clarify the responsibility of 13 military personnel suspended by the Ministry of Defense last December, a new twist in the case of the missing items from Battalion 601 has been revealed. According to statements obtained, an officer from this unit reportedly mentioned that the components, including Twin Otter aircraft engines, were allegedly intended to raise funds for an illegal year-end party.
The alleged theft of aircraft components at the Supply and Maintenance Battalion 601, located in Campo de Mayo, caused controversy as key materials were confirmed missing. Meanwhile, military justice is also advancing with its own process in this case.
The case gained notoriety after two airplane turbines and helicopter transport bars, initially reported as stolen, reappeared under still uncertain circumstances. This led to the suspension of 16 officers and non-commissioned officers, although three of them were disengaged from the case.
The preliminary investigation indicates the possibility of a network dedicated to the illegal trafficking of aircraft parts. There are suspicions that a "repentant" individual may have returned the missing items, although new accusations and contradicting testimonies may arise during the investigation.
Additionally, there were reports of the alleged "cannibalization" of aircraft engines for covert sale as donations, as well as the irregular delivery of Twin Otter engines to a technical school in El Palomar. The former head of the unit and other military personnel could face administrative responsibilities for omissions in their duties, while some officers are identified as the main implicated in the irregular management of the parts.
In this context, federal justice in Tres de Febrero is analyzing this new chapter of the investigation, focusing on clarifying the responsibility of those involved.
