Four arrested in Mar del Plata illegal gaming crackdown
Prosecutors detained four suspects in a case involving illegal virtual gaming platforms and structured money-laundering schemes.
Argentinian authorities in Mar del Plata have arrested four individuals as part of an investigation into an illicit association accused of operating unauthorized virtual gaming platforms and laundering proceeds through structured financial schemes.
The case, led by the Economic Crime Office of the Mar del Plata Prosecutor’s Unit under Laura Mazzaferri, has resulted in eight additional people being summoned for questioning.
Investigators identified several subgroups allegedly involved in exploiting virtual gaming activity without authorization and moving proceeds through layered transfers. According to the case file, the organization recruited vulnerable individuals, offering small payments in exchange for personal data, images and videos used to create multiple digital accounts for the movement of illicit funds.
Authorities reported that the network used payment service providers including Mercado Pago, Brubank, Ualá, Open Bank, Reba, Naranja X and Belo to channel funds through “mule accounts” using smurfing techniques. The Financial Action Task Force of Latin America defines smurfing as breaking transactions into small amounts designed to avoid AML controls.
Mazzaferri said assets were transferred between accounts to prevent tracing before entering the banking system or being used for purchases, including medium- and high-end vehicles, real estate, foreign travel and goods. Three principal defendants have been charged with aggravated money laundering on grounds of habitual conduct.
The group allegedly used shell companies with no real operational capacity to continue laundering while also establishing their own businesses to simulate legitimate activity and exploit small commercial establishments.
Raids conducted this month in Mar del Plata resulted in the seizure of documentation, electronic devices, weapons and cash in multiple currencies. Authorities also seized three motorcycles and five vehicles, including high-end models. Subsequent searches of private safety deposit boxes yielded an additional $429,982 and ARS 3,5 million ($2500).
During one raid, two computers were found running virtual gaming platforms at a residence in a private neighborhood. In another incident, a suspect threw two bags containing cash and cell phones into the patio of an adjacent business.
Judge Santiago Inchausti issued four of the arrest warrants, while two additional suspects were detained on November 10 at the Puerto Iguazú border crossing after attempting to re-enter Argentina.
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