Police headquarters building, portrait of a man in police uniform, and a highway patrol officer seen from behind at a roadside checkpoint
ARGENTINA

The head of the Caminera in Córdoba has fallen: corruption, criminal gangs, and scandal

He is accused of leading a criminal network together with police officers, lawyers, and civilians with access to confidential information

The judiciary ordered the arrest of the head of the Caminera Police, Maximiliano Gabriel Ochoa Roldán. He is accused of coercion, illicit enrichment, and illicit association as a leader. Prosecutor Guillermo González is leading an investigation targeting a criminal network within the force.

It is striking that Maximiliano Ochoa Roldán had been promoted just last Monday. Until December 2024, he served as private secretary to the current head of Córdoba Police, Héctor Gutiérrez. His recent promotion, on the eve of the scandal, raises questions about the level of knowledge and responsibility within the police leadership.

Man in a dark military uniform with gold details looking forward against a light background
Chief of the Road Police of the Province of Córdoba, Maximiliano Gabriel Ochoa Roldán | La Derecha Diario

The arrest of his brother, police officer Gastón Ochoa Roldán, was also ordered. The case includes crimes such as embezzlement and concealment by omission of report. The situation caused a major shake-up in the structure of provincial security.

The operation included raids in La Calera, Cosquín, and the Police Headquarters itself. Key evidence was collected there that could implicate high-ranking officials. The seriousness of the case triggered an internal crisis within the force and set off alarms in the provincial government, which quickly distanced itself from the case.

Large police headquarters building with people going in and out and cars passing by on the street in front of the main entrance
This would be a case that exposes apparent corruption entrenched in police leadership | La Derecha Diario

A plot of lawyers, uniformed officers, and confidential data

The case involves other police officers, lawyers, and a civilian accused of coercion, Gabriel Burkhard. Among those implicated are also Inspector Commissioner Leonardo Javier Torres and Inspector Martín Darío Heredia. Both belong to strategic areas of the Caminera Police.

According to the prosecution, they accessed official databases to carry out illegal maneuvers. Out-of-court settlements for debts, criminal defenses, and fee arrangements were allegedly made. This practice violates professional ethics and the public duty of uniformed officers.

The organization is believed to have operated systematically, according to the evidence gathered. It would be an internal network that took advantage of its power and sensitive information. The accusations directly undermine the legitimacy of the institution and expose an apparent entrenched corruption within the police leadership.

Traffic police officer stopping traffic on a road while holding a light baton and wearing an orange reflective vest
They accessed official databases to carry out illegal operations | La Derecha Diario

Official response and announced press conference

This Friday, a press conference is expected to be led by the Minister of Security, Juan Pablo Quinteros. He will be accompanied by Prosecutor Guillermo González and General Commissioner Alberto Viete. The authorities will provide details about the case and the measures taken.

The provincial government faces a crisis of confidence within the police force. The seriousness of the events reinforces the demand for a thorough purge.

The investigation is ongoing and further arrests are not ruled out. The case could escalate in the coming days as new evidence is analyzed. Society expects explanations and concrete actions in response to this blow to institutional integrity.

Traffic police are conducting a traffic check on a highway with orange cones and a stopped car.
Out-of-court settlements may have been reached for debts, criminal defenses, and fee arrangements | La Derecha Diario
➡️ Argentina

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