The Argentine Federal Police (PFA) dismantled in August 2026 an alleged criminal network involved in money laundering, fraud, criminal association and illegal gambling, which used the identities of financially vulnerable people to open bank accounts and digital wallets and move approximately ARS 27 billion within just a few months. The Ministry of National Security officially confirmed the operation on August 19, following nine raids across Buenos Aires and Córdoba and the arrest of three suspects.
The investigation is being led by La Plata Prosecutor’s Office No. 2 (UFI No. 2), headed by prosecutor Betina Judith Smolinsky de Lacki, with the involvement of La Plata Guarantees Court No. 6, led by Agustín Carlos Crispo. Authorities determined that part of the funds came from an illegal online casino, although its brand, owner and domain name have not been publicly disclosed.
Among those arrested is Albertina Mangini, identified as an alleged recruiter of people in vulnerable economic situations. According to the case, she allegedly offered payments of around ARS 80,000 in exchange for ID documents, photographs and biometric verification through iris scans. Two other detainees were identified only by their initials: M.P., allegedly linked to opening and managing accounts, and I.L.M., allegedly connected to the financial layer of the scheme and transactions close to ARS 27 billion.
Investigators described a precise laundering chain; identity recruitment, biometric verification, account opening, third-party technological control, receipt of funds, rapid account draining and dispersion through digital wallets, payment terminals and cryptoassets.
The raids were carried out by the PFA Tax Crimes Department. The force is headed by Commissioner General Luis Alejandro Rollé, with Mariano José Giuffra serving as deputy chief. The Ministry of National Security is led by Alejandra Monteoliva, while Martín Verrier oversees the fight against organized crime.
Authorities seized computers, bank cards, Posnet terminals, storage devices, local and foreign currency, notebooks containing casino-related accounting records, a BMW M240i xDrive and a Glock 9×19 mm pistol. The investigation remains open as authorities seek to identify final beneficiaries, interprovincial links and possible international connections.
