Argentina dismantles illegal betting and laundering network with 19 arrests
Federal authorities seized ARS120m, cash, vehicles, and drugs in a large-scale investigation.
Key Points
- The network, operating under the name Celuapuestas, allegedly laundered gambling proceeds through shell accounts, crypto, and real estate
- The case, led by Federal Judge Jorge Rodríguez, involves 19 arrests, 20 fugitives and ongoing questioning of suspects
Argentinian authorities dismantled a large-scale money laundering network allegedly linked to unlicensed online gambling operations, resulting in 19 arrests, 20 fugitives, and the seizure of ARS120m ($87,000) and $20,000 in cash.
The investigation, led by Federal Judge Jorge Rodríguez from the Morón court, targeted properties in luxury gated communities in Canning, including El Rebenque, Terralagos, and Santa Juana, located in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area.
According to judicial sources, the organization operated under the name Celuapuestas and managed dozens of unauthorized betting platforms. The group is accused of laundering proceeds from illegal gambling through a network of shell accounts, digital wallets, and cryptocurrency transactions.
Large sums were allegedly fragmented into smaller operations to avoid detection by anti-money laundering systems.
Among those detained is the alleged leader, Roberto Javier Z., who, along with several associates, is suspected of coordinating the operation’s financial and technical infrastructure. The network’s estimated turnover reached hundreds of millions of pesos, part of which was allegedly invested in real estate, vehicles, and digital assets.
Good to know: A Santa Fe court recently advanced the trial phase against seven individuals accused of operating an illegal online casino network
The operation, supported by the Argentine Gendarmerie, the Procelac (Office for Economic Crime and Money Laundering) and the Asset Recovery Directorate, took place after a two-year investigation launched in May 2023. Authorities seized 60 vehicles, documents, firearms, electronic equipment believed to have been used to operate the illegal platform and 12 kilograms of marijuana.
On Wednesday, Ignacio Calvi, criminal secretary of Federal Court No. 2 of Morón and the official overseeing the case, will begin questioning the detained suspects, according to judicial sources.
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