Overview
- Federal judge Sebastián Casanello denied the return of US$80,000 and €2,000 taken from a Banco Francés safe‑deposit box during the investigation.
- Prosecutor Franco Picardi opposed the request, citing the probe’s complexity and potential financial penalties, and the court noted the funds could be an instrument or product of crime.
- Spagnuolo’s defense argues the money predates his time in office and has appealed the ruling to the Cámara Federal.
- The case was triggered by viral audio recordings attributed to Spagnuolo describing overpricing and kickbacks, which the defense says are AI‑generated; a forensic analysis was ordered.
- Investigators allege a structured scheme at ANDIS to steer high‑cost medicine purchases using the SIIPFIS system, with 16 suspects questioned as evidence collection continues.