Overview

• Judge Gustavo Villanueva resent the extradition file after the Foreign Ministry confirmed that Texas authorities still pursue narcotrafficking, money laundering and fraud charges against Federico “Fred” Machado.
• The Supreme Court is now positioned to decide whether to uphold earlier findings that extradition is procedente.
• Under Argentine law, a court approval would pass the case to the Executive for a final determination within ten business days.
• Machado has been under house arrest in Viedma since his 2021 detention, after Villanueva approved extradition in 2022 and Procurador General Eduardo Casal later issued a favorable opinion.
• Defense filings led by attorney Francisco Oneto claimed U.S. charges had been withdrawn, prompting verification that undercut the delay, as reporting also highlights a USD 200,000 transfer to deputy José Luis Espert and private flights during Espert’s 2019 campaign.