A group of federal prosecutors has requested the arrest of Rosario federal judge Gastón Salmain, considering him part of an illegal network with financier Fernando Whpei and judicial operator Santiago Busaniche to benefit private individuals through the manipulation of court cases.
The accusation states that Salmain, who took office as a judge in 2023, favored the financier with a precautionary measure that allowed him, on December 5 of that year, to access the purchase of 10 million dollars at the official exchange rate despite existing restrictions. The goal was to obtain a profit of two million dollars from the exchange rate gap, of which a 10% payment was allegedly agreed upon as a bribe.
The operation failed due to the devaluation that occurred during the government change, but the payment was still demanded, according to Whpei's testimony as a collaborating witness. The prosecutors also revealed that Salmain attempted to obstruct the investigation: on October 17, during a search of his home to seize his phone, the magistrate turned off his iPhone 17 Pro, preventing its forensic examination. Likewise, on November 21, he sent a letter to the Airport Security Police requesting information about the case, which was interpreted as an attempt to intimidate the Public Prosecutor's Office.
"The magistrate has manifestly attempted to obstruct the investigations," the prosecutors stated when requesting his arrest. After the failed operation, threats were made against the financier, which motivated Salmain to refer the file to the Public Prosecutor's Office in April 2024.
Whpei's testimony as a collaborating defendant detailed the meetings, the submission of the legal brief, the agreed amounts, and the threats. He also indicated that Busaniche was a promoter of Salmain's judicial career, even asking him to intervene with senators for his appointment.
The case is connected to another investigation for case-building and extortion involving former federal judge Marcelo Bailaque and former head of the Santa Fe AFIP, Carlos Vaudagna, who has also become a collaborating defendant. Information from the seized phones shows that Salmain, before becoming a judge, had a close relationship with Vaudagna and Busaniche, who are linked to demands for bribes and pressure on businessmen.
The request was submitted to federal judge Eduardo Rodríguez Da Cruz by prosecutors Federico Reynares Solari, Diego Velasco, Juan Agustín Arbigay Molina, Matías Scilabra, Sergio Rodríguez, and Esteban Ventitti. According to the accusation, Salmain and Busaniche devised a 'criminal plan' to financially benefit Whpei, within the framework of a case initiated by the firm Attila Fideicomisos SRL against resolutions from the Central Bank. In exchange for a favorable ruling, a payment of 10% of the gap between the official and blue dollar was demanded, estimated at around 200 thousand dollars. The prosecutors noted that Salmain received the presentation brief in his office on October 2, 2023, evaluated its technical feasibility, and asked Whpei to arrange the details with Busaniche.
