Overview

• Federal prosecutor Fernando Domínguez in San Isidro opened an investigation into Espert for alleged money laundering, focusing on funds he reportedly received in 2020 from businessman Federico “Fred” Machado.
• The case stems from a complaint by activist Juan Grabois and cites bank records and an alleged secret ledger from a U.S. proceeding that reference a $200,000 transfer and aircraft identifier N28FM tied to Machado.
• On Tuesday, Machado said Espert directly sought monetary help before the 2019 election and claimed he provided more than $200,000 in installments under an advisory agreement plus about $100,000 to $150,000 for campaign expenses.
• Separate reporting confirmed Machado paid for Espert’s March 21–24, 2019 trip to Miami to meet potential donors, and Espert has acknowledged taking 17 round‑trip flights on aircraft owned by Machado.
• Espert resigned his 2025 legislative candidacy in recent days, and Machado—who disputes Espert’s account of when he learned of Machado’s legal troubles—remains under scrutiny and faces a U.S. extradition request.