Prosecutor Enrique Gavier ordered the pretrial detention of the seven individuals arrested in the "Márquez y Asociados" case. The decision seeks to ensure the continuity of the investigation and prevent actions that could hinder the judicial process. The individuals involved have remained in custody since March, while key evidence and testimonies for the case are being evaluated.
Juan Pablo, Ariel, and José Matías Márquez, along with Lucas, Ramiro, Matías Germán Nieva, and Matías Ariel Acevedo, are the individuals detained in the investigation for alleged systematic fraud. The Prosecutor's Office keeps that they acted as leaders and organizers of an illicit association that affected thousands of people in the country. The company involved, "Márquez y Asociados," promised social housing that was never delivered, according to the formal complaint.
Gavier explained that pretrial detention is "imperative to guarantee the progress of the investigation and protect the victims." He indicated that the aim is to ensure the enforcement of the law in the face of a scheme that harmed numerous families. Prosecutors emphasize that the measure seeks to prevent the destruction of evidence and any attempt by the accused to flee.
Million-dollar scams in housing company
The defendants, who are related as brothers and brothers-in-law, created the company MRQZPABAR Desarrollos SA, known as "Márquez y Asociados." Juan Pablo was president, Ariel vice president, and Lucas alternate director, while others acted as employees without decision-making power. According to the Prosecutor's Office, this structure allowed illicit actions to be concealed and ensured the organized operation of the fraud.
The statement asserts that the accused continued operating despite complaints, asset freezes, and deleted evidence to evade justice. They even allegedly created a "B team" to maintain activities while the main group faced investigation. The Prosecutor's Office detected deleted messages, assets abroad, and behaviors that constituted concrete risks of flight and obstruction of the case.
During their statements before the Prosecutor's Office, the defendants denied the illicit association and blamed the problems on external factors such as the pandemic, inflation, and asset freezes. Juan Pablo and Ariel Márquez highlighted the company's growth and their intention to fulfill commitments, while José Matías and Matías Acevedo presented themselves as mere employees. The investigation remains in the preparatory stage, with pending testimonies and analysis of digital evidence to complete the case file.
