Former mayor Gabriel Fernández was accused of illicit association and the embezzlement of millions in resources
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The judicial investigation against Gabriel Fernández, former mayor of Viamonte, exposes a corruption scheme involving the embezzlement of millions. The leader allegedly used public funds not only for unfinished projects, but also for personal purposes and "special services." The charges against him have worsened and include illicit association, aggravated coercion, and corruption of minors.
Federal prosecutor Rodolfo Cabanillas has added evidence that implicates Fernández and a circle of collaborators. Among them are engineers, architects, and relatives who allegedly invoiced millions for unfinished or entirely nonexistent projects. The scheme included forgery of documents, irregular financial reports, and bank transfers that are difficult to justify.
The case also uncovered testimonies from women who accused the former official of paying for sexual favors with money and resources from the municipality. One of them even reported threats and pressure to remain silent. The plot demonstrates how local political power allegedly used the state structure for private purposes.
Gabriel Fernández, exintendente de Viamonte, se encuentra involucrado en un sistema de corrupción con desvíos millonarios.
The partners and the embezzled money
The investigations revealed that architects Horacio and Camila Zawadzki, along with Darío Demarchi, are central partners in the embezzlement.They invoiced millions through companies created to simulate construction, medical, and even heavy machinery services. Much of those funds never reached actual projects.
Sólo en 2023, el municipio habría girado más de 130 millones de pesos para viviendas que quedaron inconclusas.
In 2023 alone, the municipality allegedly transferred more than 130 million pesos (286,600 pounds) for housing projects that remained unfinished. In addition, there were advances from the national government for water, waste, and sports facility projects, which were also not completed. The investigation detected "kickbacks" that allegedly went directly into Fernández's pocket.
The scheme operated for years with the complicity of close associates and municipal officials. Testimonies indicate that even appliances and automobiles were delivered as part of the illegal benefits. Public money, instead of generating progress, ended up being used as a bargaining chip for local power.
El dirigente habría usado fondos públicos no sólo para obras inconclusas, sino también para fines personales y “servicios especiales”.
The vices of municipal power in Córdoba
The case reveals a pattern repeated in several municipal administrations in Córdoba. Local oversight bodies often look the other way when faced with irregular management. In many towns, a complicit silence is established that allows mayors to accumulate power without accountability.
Fernández's arrest marks a turning point in Viamonte, but it also exposes institutional fragility. Investigations show that national funds allocated for essential projects end up being diverted, with the community paying the price of corruption. The judiciary is making progress, although the network of interests remains powerful.
Silence and lack of transparency in Córdoba's municipalities open the door to more cases like Fernández's. Corruption not only erodes social trust, but also condemns communities that depend on these projects to stagnation. The challenge is to break the entrenched vices of local power.
Entre los colaboradores aparecen ingenieros, arquitectos y familiares que habrían facturado sumas millonarias por obras inconclusas o directamente inexistentes.
