Person wearing a hoodie using a mobile phone in front of a computer in a dark environment
ARGENTINA

Convicted for cyber fraud against Instituto members in Córdoba: sentences of up to 5 years

The court sentenced three individuals for illicit association and repeated fraud involving cards in the club's online systems

A court ruling in Córdoba revealed a cyber scam scheme that harmed Instituto members.Three individuals were convicted of using credit and debit card data without authorization to pay membership fees and purchase tickets on the club's official website. The investigation confirmed at least 32 fraudulent transactions.

The case was led by the Cybercrime Prosecutor, Franco Pilnik, who detected the scheme in the online system of the Alta Córdoba institution. The verdict determined that the defendants were part of a criminal organization. The criminal method had a significant impact among members and exposed digital vulnerabilities.

The court sentenced Florencia Belén Mercado to three years in prison. Meanwhile, Micaela Daiana Mercado and Javier Martín Ocampo received five years in prison for their roles as organizers. The ruling reinforces the judicial stance against cybercrimes in sports institutions.

Main stand of a soccer stadium with red and white seats, Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba’s crest in the center, and the sun shining in the sky
A court ruling in Córdoba revealed a cyber scam scheme that harmed Instituto members | La Derecha Diario

Ongoing investigation into involved members

The court clarified that the case is not closed. The situation of 32 members who paid their memberships through this irregular mechanism is still under investigation. The goal is to determine whether they were victims of fraud or participants in the criminal scheme.

Instituto club issued an official statement explaining the seriousness of the case. The Alta Córdoba institution emphasized the need to strengthen its security systems. It also expressed its cooperation with the court in the context of the investigation.

The precedent marks a turning point in the protection of sports clubs against cybercrime. The impact on members demonstrates how digital fraud can exploit online payment platforms. Two weeks ago, Belgrano also suffered a similar incident, with four people arrested.

Fans in a stadium stand waving red and white flags with a banner that reads City Club
Three people were convicted of using credit and debit card information without authorization to pay membership fees and purchase tickets on the club's official website | La Derecha Diario

Judicial precedent and warning to the sports system

The ruling makes it clear that institutions must modernize their systems to safeguard members' data. The use of insecure platforms exposes thousands of users to fraud and generates distrust. The court seeks for these types of rulings to serve as a warning against the advance of cybercrime in sports.

Fans dressed in red and white cheer in a stadium stand with a large Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba crest in the background.
Instituto Club issued an official statement explaining the seriousness of the case | La Derecha Diario
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