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ARGENTINA

Córdoba: trial of former Radical official for bribes in exchange for campaign funds

After 14 years, Mario Rey and two collaborators will face juries for alleged extortion

Next Tuesday, August 19, the 4th Criminal Chamber of Córdoba will open a trial for alleged bribe collection from security companies. The case involves former Radical officials from Ramón Mestre's administration, accused of demanding illegal payments. The accused are former Deputy Secretary of Municipal Services Mario Rey and his collaborators Alejandro Rezk and Guillermo Medina.

The case began in 2011 following a complaint by Visión Nocturna SA, which was hired to guard hospitals and municipal offices. According to the plaintiff, after refusing to pay bribes, the company was left with unpaid invoices and in default. Attorney Karina Zeverín estimated damages at 200,000 dollars.

The proceedings will take place with popular juries and expose a corruption scheme that persisted for years. The judicial investigation detected irregular collections at municipal counters, forgery of permits, and demands on business owners. These events are part of a larger case that remains under investigation.

Close-up of a middle-aged man with a serious expression and a blurred yellow background
Rey and his collaborators demanded that the company provide contracts for individuals linked to the political campaign | La Derecha Diario

Demands and bribes

According to the accusation, Rey and his collaborators demanded that the company provide contracts for people linked to the political campaign. Many of those hired did not meet the requirements for security work, but this was justified as "containing activists." Payments were also requested according to a "rate chart" of percentages.

This chart included 20% on payments prior to December 10, 2011 (44 pounds), 15% on intermediate payments (33 pounds), 10% for "fixing" bids (22 pounds), and 5% for new jobs (11 pounds). In March 2012, the company won a bid to guard the Hospital del Sur. Shortly after, Rey demanded a monthly payment to avoid causing problems.

Visión Nocturna rejected the scheme, which led to further delays in municipal payments. Similar incidents reportedly affected Centinela Servicio a Empresas, which was added as a provider in February 2012. Its owners received suggestions for "gestures of goodwill" so that the money would be released.

Man in a suit speaking at a podium with a microphone in front of red curtains
The accused are former Undersecretary of Municipal Services Mario Rey and his collaborators Alejandro Rezk and Guillermo Medina | La Derecha Diario

Charged offenses and court

The companies were also required to hire an employee to expedite paperwork at the Municipality. The formal accusation against Rey, Rezk, and Medina is for consummated and attempted extortion. The Chamber prosecutor will be Marcelo Hidalgo.

The court will be composed of judges Luis Nassiz, María Antonia de la Rúa, and Enrique Berger. The plaintiff is represented by Karina Zeverín, while the defense of the accused is led by Julio Deheza. The case rekindles the debate on corruption in past municipal administrations.

Short dark-haired man wearing a black jacket and light-colored jersey raising his right hand near his face in a well-lit indoor setting
The case involves former radical officials from Ramón Mestre's administration, who are accused of demanding illegal payments | La Derecha Diario
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