Full Breakdown
Allegations of Malpractice Against Prosecutor in $Libra Cryptocurrency Scam
4/6/2026, 10:07:22 PM
Overview of the Allegations
On April 2, 2026, a coalition of Argentine legislators filed a criminal complaint against Federal Prosecutor Eduardo Taiano, accusing him of malpractice and dereliction of public duties in the investigation of the $Libra cryptocurrency scam, which implicates President Javier Milei. The complaint highlights "unjustified delays in the production of evidence" and the "retention and concealment" of crucial information that could advance the investigation.
Timeline of Events
The $Libra scandal began on February 14, 2025, when President Milei promoted the cryptocurrency, which subsequently saw its value plummet. Key evidence, including electronic devices belonging to orchestrators Mauricio Novelli and Sergio Morales, was not seized until March 6, 2025. Despite receiving this evidence by May 2025, Taiano did not order its analysis until September 9, 2025. A preliminary report on Novelli's phone was only completed by January 7, 2026, with full access granted to involved parties on March 13, 2026.
Criticism of Prosecutorial Conduct
Legislators have criticized Taiano for failing to take substantial investigative measures, such as issuing summons for questioning or formal charges against implicated individuals. They argue that his actions have created a "shield of impunity" around President Milei, effectively stifling accountability. The complaint also notes that Taiano's focus shifted towards investigating the media leak of evidence rather than addressing the core issues of the scam.
Possible Crimes and Legal Implications
The complaint outlines a "pattern of conduct" by Taiano characterized by unjustified delays and a lack of transparency, which undermines due process and inter-branch cooperation. Among the potential crimes attributed to Taiano are the "improper retention of relevant evidence" and its "concealment from the plaintiffs," violating the principles of objectivity mandated by Argentine law. The legislators assert that these actions constitute a serious breach of the duties outlined in the National Constitution and relevant laws governing judicial conduct.
Official Statements & Responses
The legislators expressed profound concern over the sequence of delays, stating, “a sequence of delays was consolidated which, due to its extension and lack of justification, are incompatible with a diligent performance of the Prosecutor’s function.” They emphasized that "journalism moves faster than the Judicial Power itself," highlighting the disparity in investigative efforts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “all of this constitutes a case of functional misconduct, as it involves the serious breach of the duties mandated by Article 120 of the National Constitution, Law 27.148, and Law 24.946, directly impacting the proper functioning of the justice system.” — Argentine Legislators
- “During that entire period, despite the existence of elements indicating the possible presence of significant economic agreements, communications among those involved, and signs of prior and later coordination regarding the investigated events, no substantial measures were adopted to advance the determination of responsibilities.” — Argentine Legislators
- “The redirection of the investigation toward ancillary issues, such as the inquiry into the leak and the summons Volosín, constitutes a “diversion from the object of the investigation,” once again violating the duty of objectivity.” — Argentine Legislators
Conclusion
The complaint against Prosecutor Eduardo Taiano underscores significant concerns regarding the integrity of the judicial process in Argentina, particularly in high-profile cases involving political figures. The allegations of malpractice and the potential implications for the justice system highlight the need for accountability and transparency in the investigation of the $Libra cryptocurrency scam.
