Argentina: Probe examines transfers from companies linked to gaming operator Daniel Mautone

Companies linked to Argentinian gaming operator Daniel Mautone have been identified in a federal investigation into alleged illicit enrichment and money laundering involving former Buenos Aires official Martín Insaurralde.

According to a Procelac report incorporated into the court file, Desarrollos Turísticos Victoria transferred roughly ARS 35m (US$23,800) to television personality Jésica Cirio, former Buenos Aires official Martín Insaurralde's ex-wife, between 2021 and 2023. Casino de Victoria transferred a further ARS 19m (US$12,900). Both companies are linked to Mautone.

A further ARS 17m was traced to the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, an entity with separate ownership. Procelac presented the transfers as part of a broader asset analysis rather than as proven criminal acts.

The investigation, led by federal judge Luis Armella and prosecutor Sergio Mola, is examining the finances of Insaurralde, Cirio and their associates.

Tomás Brady, attorney for civil society organization Poder Ciudadano, which is a plaintiff in the case, said the payments constitute "a good lead to investigate whether these could be disguised bribes" directed at Insaurralde. That remains a hypothesis put forward by the querella and has not been confirmed by a court ruling.

The Insaurralde investigation predates the current phase by several years. It originated in 2023 after photographs surfaced of the former official aboard a luxury yacht in Marbella alongside a model, an episode that became known as the "Yategate" scandal. 

Federal authorities subsequently sought documentation from Casino Victoria's offices in the city of Victoria, Entre Ríos, after the company failed to respond voluntarily to requests.

Investigators at that stage had already identified Casino de Victoria as having paid for at least one private flight taken by Insaurralde and Cirio to Uruguay, and had obtained invoices totaling ARS 11.2m tied to Casino Victoria's sponsorship of a television program hosted by Cirio.

The probe gained attention after videos circulated this month appearing to show Cirio handling large quantities of cash in a property in San Vicente. Prosecutor Mola has since requested the detention of both Insaurralde and Cirio.

Earlier this month, the municipality of Necochea auctioned the historic casino complex on the Atlantic coast to a single bidder, the newly formed firm A Toda Vela Mar, controlled by local businessman Oscar Merlo.

Merlo confirmed at the time of the award that Casino Victoria would operate the gaming floor under a commercial alliance. Mautone had shown interest in the Necochea property since at least 2020.