Weekly Summary: Blow to Trafficking, Key Reforms, and Historic Records

Blows to Organized Crime and Security Records

This week an international human trafficking network based in Argentina, with links in Chile and financial operations in Spain, was dismantled. The organization exploited women for the production of online erotic content.

In Rosario, a fugitive drug trafficker linked to a gang associated with the murder of a member of "Los Monos" was arrested. Additionally, two drug-selling bunkers were dismantled.

In CABA, a drug organization was dismantled after raids in three pavilions of the Federal Penitentiary Complex and in elevenhomes in the City and the Buenos Aires suburbs.

Near the border with Bolivia, more than 425 kilos (937 pounds) of cocaine hidden in truck tires inside an abandoned tire shop were seized.

In Misiones, 1,780 kilos (3,924 pounds) of drugs entering from Paraguay via the Paraná River at Puerto Maciel were seized.

In statistical terms, in 2024 Argentina reached the lowest intentional homicide rate in its history and in all of South America. The downward trend continues in the first quarter of 2025, as a result of a strategy focused on sustained work and political decision.

Additionally, crimes against women also show a significant decrease: related homicides (-14.3%), sexual crimes (-12.8%), and human trafficking (-35.9%).

Structural Reforms: Less Bureaucracy and More Efficiency

The Government announced a restructuring in the Culture area with the aim of optimizing resources and reducing public spending. Decentralized agencies such as the National Museum of Fine Arts, CONABIP, the National Commission of Monuments, Tecnópolis, and the Palacio Libertad will be eliminated and will report directly to the Secretariat of Culture. The measure includes the elimination of paid councils and overlapping political positions.

The National Theater Institute (INT) was also reformed: its autonomy was repealed, it will become a National Directorate, and the Governing Council will be eliminated, which will generate savings estimated at 150 million pesos annually. According to the Government, this will allow more resources to be allocated to theatrical activity, complying with the Theater Law.

In the area of Human Rights, the National Memory Archive and the ESMA Memory Site Museumwill be merged with the International Center for the Promotion of Human Rights (CIPDH-UNESCO), maintaining their essential functions and optimizing resources.

In terms of trade facilitation, ANMAT relaxed rules for importing food for personal consumption such as coffee capsules and yerba mate (Provision 3820/25). Meanwhile, a new Exception Regime for river and maritime transport (Decree 340/2025) was launched, aimed at attracting investments, reducing logistics costs, and generating employment.

Technological Advances and Digital Modernization

The Argentine Air Force successfully carried out the experimental launch of the MET 1-SO "Scorpio" sounding rocket, being the first national experience with payload recovery over the Argentine sea.

Additionally, the implementation of online driver's license renewal began in CABA and 19 provinces. The new digital license will be valid throughout the national territory.

Positive Economic Indicators and Deregulation

In April 2025, the Wholesale Price Index (IPIM) had a monthly variation of 2.8%. The Argentine trade balance showed a surplus of 204 million dollars. Exports grew by 2.3% year-on-year, while imports increased by 37.3%. The energy trade balance was 573 million dollars.

Energy Agreements and New Subsidy Policy

Argentina and Paraguay signed an agreement that updates the conditions for using Yacyretá's energy. A price equal for both countries was set, reducing the cost Argentina paid.

A modification in the criteria for the allocation of energy subsidies was also announced. Areas of AMBA with evident contributive capacity, such as gated communities, private neighborhoods, and Puerto Madero, will no longer receive subsidies.

Historical Savings Repair Plan

"YOUR DOLLARS, YOUR DECISION. What's yours is yours and you don't have to prove anything to the state."

The Government launched a plan for Argentines to freely dispose of their savings without needing to justify their origin. In parallel, the minimum values for financial operations will be updated.