Ariel Vallejo, president of Sur Finanzas and ally of AFA head Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia, is being investigated for alleged money laundering that would have moved over $6 billion. The case was initiated by the Procelac after a report from the Financial Information Unit (UIF) and is being handled by prosecutor in Economic Crimes Emilio Guerberoff. The investigation focuses on Construcciones TAR, created by Martín Ezequiel Sáenz and Florencia Anahí Reinoso. Vallejo, 40, started his activity with three employees and now leads a group of over 150. The money is said to have been diverted to exchange houses, football clubs, agricultural societies, pharmacies, and maritime agencies. Concordia Inversions and Centro de Inversiones Concordia received $180 million and $65 million from Construcciones TAR, respectively. Vallejo is listed as a shareholder in the second company along with his mother, Graciela Vallejo. The UIF detected irregularities such as addresses without offices, absence of employees, and financial movements incompatible with the declared activity. Sur Finanzas was a sponsor of the 2024 Professional League, the Argentine national team, and clubs like Racing, Banfield, Barracas, Platense, Los Andes, Atlanta, and Temperley. His career, linked to football and politics, is currently on hold as the Justice system analyzes all suspicious operations. The firm received over $6 billion between September 2022 and July 2023, revenues that do not correspond to its billing of just $200 million. Sur Finanzas offers loans, currency exchange, safety deposit boxes, and a virtual wallet for corporate clients.
