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Cuadernos Trial Opens With First 40 Alleged Bribes Read, Topping $10.4 Million

Prosecutors outlined an alleged public‑works bribery system using Centeno’s notebooks with cooperating testimony to support 204 counts.

Overview

  • Tribunal Oral Federal No. 7 began the oral phase by reading an indictment that charges Cristina Fernández de Kirchner as leader of an illicit association operating from 2003 to 2015.
  • Judges detailed 40 initial acts of alleged passive bribery exceeding US$10.4 million, with 164 additional acts slated for upcoming hearings.
  • The prosecution describes a hierarchical two‑track collection mechanism from the Planning Ministry under Julio De Vido, involving direct cash deliveries and intermediary networks.
  • Evidence cited includes Óscar Centeno’s notebooks plus statements from cooperating witnesses and matched dates and amounts, according to the filing.
  • Judicial sources project oral arguments in 2026 with a possible ruling by late 2026 or early 2027, while the defense claims irregularities and political persecution.