FBI investigates Argentine Football Association for money laundering, interviews former officials

July 15, Hupu News — According to Argentina's La Nación, U.S. federal prosecutors and FBI agents have, in recent months, repeatedly contacted former executives of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Sources indicate that the U.S. objective is clear: to dismantle and restructure the AFA's decision-making framework and financial flow map from within, with a particular focus on the financial operations under current President Claudio Tapia and Deputy Pablo Toviggino.

Insider "Defection"

Investigators from the U.S. Department of Justice have shown significant interest in one individual: Juan Bicen, former executive president of the AFA's Federal Council. Bicen, who served as Toviggino's right-hand man for years, was deeply involved in millions of dollars in financial transactions between the AFA and the United States.

According to evidence obtained by La Nación, Bicen and Toviggino jointly orchestrated a complex financial operation. They used several shell companies to issue fake invoices under the guise of "logistics services." In reality, these companies never provided any services to the AFA but successfully siphoned tens of millions of dollars from it.

The money laundering path typically worked as follows:

• Funds first flowed to shell companies registered in Miami or to "intermediary companies" controlled by theater producer Javier Faroni (e.g., TourProdEnter LLC).
• The money was then smuggled back to Argentina in cash bags through underground banks in Buenos Aires.

Currently, the relationship between Bicen and Toviggino has broken down, with each blaming the other. Rumors suggest Bicen attempted to "sell" sensitive information to Argentine intelligence agencies, which has also drawn significant U.S. attention.

Expanding Investigation Scope

Beyond Bicen, the FBI has also interviewed sports agent Guillermo Tofoni. The two sides held a three-hour video conference last week. The U.S. is assessing whether certain AFA operations in the country constitute money laundering or bank fraud.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice plans to subpoena some former officials of the Milei government, as they previously had access to sensitive information about the AFA.

Missing Massive Funds

At the heart of the investigation is a company called TourProdEnter LLC, controlled by Faroni and his wife, which managed the AFA's overseas commercial contract revenue.

The investigation found that during Argentina's strictest foreign exchange control years, this company acted as the AFA's "cash register." It handled huge sponsorship payments, including:

• $60 million from Adidas
• $40 million from Warner

According to bank records:

1. Unaccounted Funds: Of the $260 million handled by the company, only a portion matched the AFA's actual operating expenses, while $57 million was transferred to various related companies and individuals with no economic justification.

1. Bizarre Recipients: The investigation shows that some funds ended up in accounts under the names of impoverished individuals receiving social welfare in Argentina.

1. Benefit Transfers: Other funds went directly to companies owned by the Toviggino family, and even to relatives of a national team "spiritual mentor."

1. High Kickbacks: Under the contract, Faroni's company could take 30% of net profits from all AFA international revenue, plus an additional 10% logistics commission.

AFA's Response

Facing U.S. pressure, the AFA has also begun "public relations" efforts in Miami. AFA North America representative Tomás Regalado and lawyer Mariano Lizardo publicly defended the association at a recent forum, emphasizing the principle of "presumption of innocence" until a final court ruling. They stated that the current investigation does not necessarily imply the AFA is guilty.

Currently, a team of three experienced U.S. federal prosecutors is delving deeper into the case. They are not only reviewing bank records and contracts but also actively seeking more internal whistleblowers. This cross-border anti-corruption storm targeting Argentina's highest football authority appears to be just beginning.

Source: La Nación