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Trial Opens in Argentina’s ‘Notebooks’ Case as Judges Read First 40 Alleged Bribes Linked to Cristina Kirchner

Prosecutors outlined a two-channel kickback system quantified at more than $10.4 million so far.

Overview

  • In the opening hearing, Federal Oral Court No. 7 read 40 of 204 counts of passive bribery, with deliveries allegedly made to Kirchner’s Recoleta apartment at Uruguay and Juncal.
  • The partial sum tied to those acts exceeds $10.4 million, and judges cautioned the total could rise as the remaining incidents are detailed.
  • Prosecutor Carlos Stornelli structured the case around four lines of inquiry: Oscar Centeno’s notebooks, rail contract adjudications, national road corridors, and alleged public-works cartelization.
  • The indictment describes a 2003–2015 collection mechanism operating within the Planning Ministry under Julio De Vido, using direct cash handoffs and intermediaries such as Ernesto Clarens and Carlos Wagner.
  • Kirchner’s defense argues the case is politically motivated and riddled with irregularities, while hearings continue with closing arguments expected in 2026.