Córdoba: verdict for gang accused of defrauding with fake cards and documents

The verdict in a fraud case that shook the Cordoban financial sector will be announced next Wednesday, July 2. The investigation targets an organization that allegedly caused fraudulent charges with cards obtained irregularly. The total amount of the reported financial loss exceeds 33 million pesos (72,752 pounds).

The case involves 22 defendants who allegedly acted as part of a criminal association structured to commit systematic fraud. The file describes maneuvers such as the issuance of cards with false data and purchases at businesses with no real activity. Among those affected are private individuals and public figures, such as Mayor Daniel Passerini.

In 2021, Passerini reported being a victim after receiving a demand for payment for a card debt he had never requested or used. According to his statement, the document showed his name and ID number, but neither the address nor the photograph matched the supposed cardholder. "The last thing I wanted was to appear as a defaulter for a debt I hadn't incurred," he declared.

Network of connections and shared tasks

Among the defendants are employees who allegedly acted from within the issuing company to provide data and access to cards. They are accused of supplying codes, photos, and false addresses so that third parties could generate charges at simulated businesses. A mail carrier is also accused of delivering cards to unauthorized individuals.

The list of those involved includes people connected by family, work, or personal ties to the main organizers. Among them are former employees of the affected company, partners, siblings, and acquaintances who allegedly collaborated at various stages of the scheme. In some cases, they even provided addresses or accounts to divert the funds.

The three main defendants were identified as leaders of the group and face charges of criminal association and use of fraudulent cards. They are also charged with repeated forgery of documents equivalent to currency, which worsens their legal situation. One of them did not accept a plea agreement and will be the only one to face a full sentence without an abbreviated process.

Agreements, payments, and proposed sentences

During the proceedings, chamber prosecutor Gustavo Arocena negotiated plea agreements with most of the defendants. Several offered multi-million peso compensations as part of the agreement, including payments of 1.5 and up to 12 million pesos (3,307 and up to 26,456 pounds). Only two people, including one of the leaders, did not accept this procedural route.

The requested sentences range from three to eight and a half years in prison, depending on each defendant's degree of involvement. The main organizers were requested to receive sentences of between five and eight years, in addition to financial fines and asset forfeiture. The rest face lesser sentences, some to be served in prison and others suspended.

Next Wednesday, Judge Mario Centeno will be in charge of reading the verdict in the 10th Criminal Chamber of Córdoba. That day, the last word will also be heard from the defendants who did not accept plea agreements. The verdict is expected to close a complex and lengthy case that has been ongoing for several years.