Police raid Argentine soccer clubs and AFA as part of investigation into alleged money laundering
Federal police in Argentina conducted a series of raids on Tuesday targeting the headquarters of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and 17 soccer clubs. These raids were part of a larger investigation into alleged connections with a financial services company called Sur Finanzas, which is currently under scrutiny for suspected money laundering and tax evasion. The operation, overseen by federal judge Luis Armella, involved more than 30 simultaneous raids on both first and second division clubs as well as the AFA headquarters in Buenos Aires.
Sur Finanzas, owned by Ariel Vallejo, is a sponsor of AFA tournaments and several prominent soccer clubs in Argentina. The police were searching for contracts and other documentation linking the clubs to the financial firm, stored on electronic devices. The clubs targeted in the raids included well-known teams like Independiente, Racing, San Lorenzo, and Barracas Central, which was founded by Matias Tapia, the son of AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia.
The investigation stems from a complaint filed by the Customs Revenue and Control Agency (ARCA) against Sur Finanzas, alleging illicit transactions totaling 818 billion pesos, roughly $560 million. In addition to the club headquarters, police also searched the AFA facilities in Ezeiza, where the national team trains.
Television broadcasts showed images of police inside the offices of the AFA headquarters, as the investigation unfolded. Meanwhile, Excursionistas, a third division club, publicly distanced itself from Sur Finanzas, stating that they have no corporate, financial, or administrative ties to the company under investigation.
These developments highlight the ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes within the realm of Argentine soccer. The outcome of the investigation remains to be seen, as authorities continue to gather evidence and pursue leads in this complex case. Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding story.
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