Businessman Gustavo "Turco" Elías has invested a large amount of money to support the political ambition of Governor Nacho Torres, who now rewards him with the concession of the shipyard in Comodoro Rivadavia.
According to a Patagonian businessman, it was known in advance that Elías would receive the concession, without even needing to acquire the bidding documents. This raises questions about the relationship between Elías and Torres, in a political context marked by the alleged renewal.
The shipyard in question, for which Elías promised to invest more than 7 million dollars, committed to pay a monthly fee higher than that established in the bidding document, once four years have passed since the award. However, doubts have arisen about the financial viability of this project, and the Court of Accounts has expressed reservations about it.
On the other hand, some suspect that Elías's association with the Chinese state in Santa Cruz, to operate in its ports, could perpetuate the illegal extraction of fishing resources beyond the 201-mile limit. These actions could compromise the supposed image of political renewal of Torres in Chubut.
The process of granting the shipyard concession has generated controversy, especially due to Elías's opaque past, highlighted in an accusation of illicit tax association. Despite attempts to present Elías's operation in Chubut in a favorable light, his past activities raise suspicions about the transparency of this process.
The project manager at the shipyard, Hugo Obregoso, has caused controversy by being considered merely a hired external advisor, while Mauricio Remes Lenicov, linked to Elías, has been involved in the administrative process of the bid.
In summary, Gustavo Elías's arrival in Chubut as the head of the shipyard has raised questions about transparency, political connections, and the businessman’s background, which calls into question the integrity of this concession process.
